A joint initiative of the Baptist Union of Victoria and Ivanhoe Baptist Church
Our Prayer
Search me, God, and know my heart ;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
See if there is any offensive way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting.
(Psalm 139: 23-24)
Devotion
The question the Psalmist raises for us to pray today is so challenging, he reminds us to ask God if there is any offensive way in us. I don’t know about you, but this is a question I try to avoid, it’s not one that is the first on my prayer list.
As we have been engaging online in this season, I’ve become aware of how much we end up looking at ourselves as the camera on our device is pointed at us and projected to the people we are connecting with. We are probably looking at our own image more than we normally would. This is a great reminder for us to look in the mirror, to look at ourselves for who we are and ask God if there is any offensive way in me? And remember that God does not look at the external appearance; he cares about what our hearts look like (1 Sam 16:7).
How often do we travel through life and quickly point the finger at others or blame others for how we are feeling without ever stopping long enough to have a look in the mirror and humbly present ourselves before God to ask this question.
Today as we reflect on the beginning of v24 why we don’t ask God if there is a problem in us that we are not aware of? Are there issues that we have rationalised as someone else’s problem and something that we have defended in your own life and apportioned the blame? It is so easy to accuse others and excuse ourselves. This reminds me of what Jesus warned us against in Matthew 7 about us seeing the speck of sawdust in someone else’s eye all the while ignoring the log in our own.
There may also be offensive ways in us that are opposed to how God wants to work through us. Maybe it is not about us being at odds with others but is about us neglecting our relationship with God. Could our desire to lead our own lives be offensive to God?
As we allow God to search our heart and dig out the offensive ways in us, Craig Groeschel in his book “Dangerous Prayers” suggests some things to consider: Think about what others have told you about you, have loved ones mentioned things in your life that should be a concern to you? Is there something in your life that is wrong, but you keep ignoring any warning signals? And are you rationalising sin and explaining it away rather than facing it?
Let us choose to live in an undefended position as we with humility pray today, choosing to connect our inner and outer world and live out an integrated faith. We need God’s help to see the sin that’s difficult to see in the mirror.
Pastor Leanne Hill
BUV Mission Catalyst Team
See if there is any offensive way in me
Prayer
- Search me God and know my heart, see if there is any offensive way in me
- Search my heart and show me where I have been defensive.
- Search my heart and show me where I need to change.
- Search my heart in my relationships and challenge me about my attitude toward others, in my home, in my church, in my workplace and on social media.
- Search my heart to see where I have prejudice and unforgiveness.
- Search my heart to see where my generosity can be expanded.
- Now pray it again (out loud) slowly breathing deeply in between each section.
- As you pray and meditate on this passage what stands out to you as you pray?
- As you pray what do you sense God is asking you to focus on?
- If God brings something or someone to mind – allow God to minister to you as you remember that event or person – what does He want you to surrender?
Pray also for:
- The members of your group and their concerns
- The three people you have committed to pray for each day who are not followers of Jesus
- The April 16th BUV Calendar prayer – “For wisdom and strength for all medical professionals