“And then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She did not depart from the temple, worshiping with fasting and prayer night and day.”
Luke 2:37 ESV
Many people have a “genie” perspective to God and to prayer. They see prayer as primarily a means to get what they want from God. In as much as God supplies our needs (Philippians 4:19, Matthew 7:7), we ought to see prayer as more than a tool for self gratification.
There should be more to you besides your material possessions. Jesus advised rather than lay up treasures for ourselves on earth where they can be easily destroyed, we should lay up treasures for ourselves in heaven where they cannot be destroyed (Matthew 6:19-20).
Paul also made us realise in 1 Corinthians 3:15 that there are achievements that won’t stand in eternity. When our works are tried by fire, some people will suffer loss because out of all they have achieved, none will be able to survive the fire of God’s judgment.
You might be wondering what will then survive this fire, it’s only the things done to further God’s agenda on earth that will survive the fire.
There are several human achievements that will not matter in eternity. God reckons with you according to your relevance in the cause of Christ.
This was what made the heroes of faith in Hebrews 11 relevant- they made the purpose of Christ the center of their lives.
If God’s agenda is our agenda, this must reflect in our devotional life. The content of our prayers must be more about God’s will being done on earth just like Jesus pointed out in the Lord’s prayer (Matthew 6:10).
A beautiful example of heartfelt devotion is seen in the life of Anna the prophetess (Luke 2:36-38). As a widow until the age of 84, she didn’t leave the temple but fasted, prayed and worshiped God in anticipation of Israel’s messiah.
As a people who will live a purposeful life, we also must have a heartfelt devotional culture. Today and beyond, make heartfelt devotion a priority in your life. Let the will of God being established on earth be your utmost desire, and let it show in your devotional life.
Bible Reading Plan:
Luke 22:31-38, Hebrews 6:1-12, Proverbs 22:17-29, Isaiah 24-26