Men's Retreat Recap

The focus of the Men’s Retreat this year was “The Man of God’s Word.”  Though all of the messages were good, the one that touched my heart the most, considered the role of the Bible in prayer.  Pastor Burk demonstrated to us the power of offering up the Word to God as praise and exultation, yet he didn’t separate worship from supplication.  He turned the Bible into prayers of praise such as Psalm 100.  Here is my application of what he taught us in praying God’s Word back to Him:

Psalm 100

Father, I will make a joyful noise to You, O LORD my God.  May I will serve you with gladness, and enter into your presence with singing!  Know that the LORD, he is God!  It is he that made me and I am his.  I am part of your people, and a sheep of your pasture. Father, may I enter your gates with singing and your courts with praise!  Oh soul, give thanks to the LORD; bless his name!  For I know that the LORD is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness continues to all generations.

He also demonstrated to us praying for one another while lifting up these Psalms to His name.

Father, I pray that  ________ would bless the LORD.  Let all that is within him bless Your holy name.  Let him not forget that you forgive his iniquity, you heal all his diseases, you redeem his life from the pit, and you crown him with steadfast love and mercy.  Father, satisfy ______ with good so that his youth is renewed like the eagles.

Sometimes, I find that my prayers can get dry and repetitious, absent of heart felt passion.  I found that this was a great way to pray God’s Words back to Him and over someone who needs them.  And more than that, I have found that it is easier for the person to turn back to those Scripture texts when he needs them.  I hope that this encourages all of you to continue to use God’s Word.  I would encourage all of you to go back and listen to Pastor Burk’s message (LINK).

Recently, I was given a book that focuses on this topic.  A Call to Prayer, by J.C. Ryle is a powerful book that speaks not only of the benefits of prayer but also the necessity of prayer.  I would encourage you to join me as we delve into this book.

Andrew K.