Reminding God

Reminding God

Reading: Isaiah 60-62; John 1 6 I’ve posted watchmen on your walls, Jerusalem. Day and night they keep at it, praying, calling out, reminding God to remember. 7 They are to give him no peace until he does what he said, until he makes Jerusalem famous as the City of Praise. (Isaiah 62:6-7 MSG)

The prophetic book of Isaiah is divided into two main sections. The first 39 chapters speak mostly of coming judgment and the final 27 chapters speak mostly about the coming Messiah, salvation, and restoration. These words in chapter 62 emphasize an important aspect of prayer – reminding God to remember and fulfill his promises of restoration and blessing.

Prayer isn’t about trying to convince God to do what we want him to do, or to change his mind and get him to do something he doesn’t want to do. It’s about finding what God has said in his word – the things God has already said he will do – and allowing his word to become faith in us so we can “remind God to remember!”

What a privilege to partner with God in fulfilling his purposes by reminding him to remember! I must think through the things that God has promised – what he has promised generally for all, and what he has promised specifically to me – and then pray passionately and fervently – “keep at it day and night” – until he does it. This is my opportunity to be a partner with God.

Take a few moments now to think of things God has promised. Think of his promises to guide and provide. Think of his promises to bless so we can be a blessing to others. Think of specific promises you have from God. Take time today to remind him of his promises, to express your faith in prayer, to partner with God in his purpose. Prayer: Father, It seems my prayers are so often so small, short range, and self-focused. I tend to pray mostly for my own needs, for what I’m feeling, and about what is going on at the moment. Help me to add to that the diligent prayers of a watchman who keeps at it day and night, reminding you to remember your declared purposes and your gracious promises. I don’t fully understand why you choose to involve my prayers in your answers, but you do. So I will. May it be unto us according to your word and your will. Amen.