Oftentimes we think that great things are done mostly by great people. But in the economy of God ordinary Christians, who love and obey the Lord, often can also do extraordinary things. And I think Andrew Murray has tapped into the secret of doing great things when he shared: “Each time, before you intercede, be quiet first, and worship God in His glory. Think of what He can do, and how He delights to hear the prayers of His redeemed people. Think of your place and privilege in Christ, and expect great things!”1
Andrew Murray was well-known for his preaching on holiness and using our time, talents, and finances to glorify God. For you see when our chief priority and passion is to live our lives in such a way that God is glorified by our thoughts and actions, stand back and watch how the Lord will use you to do great things for the advancement of His kingdom. And what better way to glorify God than to first worship and adore Him through our company and our prayers.
I concur with Murray that when we come to God in prayer that before we intercede for others and ourselves we need to worship, praise, and adore our wonderful Savior. Prayer is multidimensional and while intercession is an important part, so is our approach to God in Prayer. And there is no better way to approach God than to worship, praise, and adore Him for who He is. It is also so true that the Lord delights to hear and answer our prayers, especially I believe, when He sees our desire is that His name, through answered prayer, glorifies Him.
I also believe that when we come to God in worship and prayer that dual delights are taking place. First, we delight in the Lord by and through our worship. And second, God delights in us – as a Father delights in His children. These dual delights make worship and prayer a wonderful two-way relationship where we adore God and He considers us His treasured possession.
So, the next time you come to God in your morning devotions think and meditate on your place and privilege in Christ, and expect great things! When it comes to place, we are God’s sanctified and redeemed people that God delights to lavish His blessings upon. And when it comes to privilege, we have the incredible opportunity to spend as much time as we desire in the presence of Jesus!
Think of it this way: The more time you spend in the presence of Jesus, the more you will learn His will for your life and the unique role you can play in bringing our Savior glory by carrying out that will through your prayers and actions. Great things await all those who learn the secret of spending time in the presence of our Lord.
Finally, take heed to the words of David when he shared one of the most exciting verses in all of Scripture: “Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” (Psalm 37:4). Imagine, as you delight in the Lord, Jesus will make His desires your desires and your desires will become His desires. The result will be you will become a God glorifying vessel overflowing with the joy of the Lord!
1 Quote by Andrew Murray: “Each time, before you intercede, be quiet first…” (goodreads.com)