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Enjoy Life, Enjoy God


Dale Patterson

SACRAMENTAL PRAYER

June 14, 2011

When we pray, lots of things happen.  Prayer can be for us, not only re-connection with God, but also, re-connection with life itself.

 
It was you who split open the sea by your power; you broke the heads of the monster in the waters.  It was you who crushed the heads of Leviathan and gave it as food to the creatures of the desert.  It was you who opened up springs and streams..."
                                                   -- Psalm 74:13-15 TNIV
 
During the sacrament of communion, the leader often prays a prayer called, "The Great Thanksgiving."  It is a remembrance of how time and again, God delivers us from life's plights, and rescues us from the morass of our sins.  In doing so, we come to the Table to eat the bread and drink the cup, again, giving thanks that God cares for us, provides for us with the food of grace and mercy.
 
In Psalm 74, the Psalmist does a very similar thing: recalls how repeatedly God rescues us from life and ourselves.  You could pray such a Great Thanksgiving yourself now--simply recall how most recently, or throughout your life, God has proven faithful.  In doing so, it makes you ready for today.
 
Joyfully,
 
Dale Patterson