Psalm 126 (NRSV)

When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion,
we were like those who dream.

Restore our fortunes, O Lord, like the watercourses in the Negeb.

Psalm 126:1 & 4

One of the powerful parts, for me, in this psalm is that the people rehearse what it will be like when they are restored before asking for it. Thanksgiving before the request. An expression of faith before the humble acknowledgment of need.

As we begin a new week, what are you waiting for from God? What has been the prayer on your heart that never ceases to be important or urgent but that has, up to this point, gone unanswered?

Let me encourage us to begin praying prayers of thanksgiving in advance of the answers that we trust God will bring. Give thanks for the outcome that God has put on your heart through prayer in anticipation of the action of God to make it a reality. This borders on name it and claim it I know. The antidote to prosperity gospel praying however is being grounded in a humility of our position as children of God and a sensitivity to God’s desires and a knowledge of God’s ways. Or in other words…discipleship . I believe that God shapes our desires to match his will. Trust in God to do that as you give thanks in advance for the work of God to come.