Pray It Before I Say It
By Marilynn Chadwick
I once read an article describing the ways women are “stronger than men.” Women tend to live longer, be more stoic when sick, and boast a higher college graduation rate than men.
I’ve grown tired of such gender comparisons. I believe men and women are created by God to uniquely represent his complete image. “Male and female he created them” (Genesis 1:27 NLT). All scientific research aside, men and women are supposed to be different.
Let’s reflect back to the creation account in Genesis 2:18 of the woman as “helper,” or ezer. God equipped us with a unique “protector” role.
In the ancient Hebrew language, the letters for the word ezer were actually pictures that evolved into the modern letters used today. According to one scholar, the ancient picture letters for ezer were an eye, a man, and a weapon.
Could it be that woman, or ezer, might function as a kind of early warning system for her husband? She then becomes a protector for her husband – able to reveal his enemy in times of danger. Perhaps that’s why Satan targeted Eve. If he took the woman down, he removed much of her husband’s protection.
At times, I’m alert to problems or problem people. But my discernment is not always on target. So if something sets off my alarm bell, I commit to praying about it before I say anything to David.
“Pray it before I say it” has become my mantra. That way, I’m more likely to give the right information in the right time and in the right way. Plus, I’m a stronger, more effective helper for David.
Simplify your prayer life with three words
Prayer is vital to our spiritual health. It's so important that 1 Thessalonians 5:17 tells us to “Pray without ceasing.” Yet we often find it difficult to follow that command. Relationships and responsibilities vie for our attention, and prayer often gets placed on the back-burner. But it’s possible to make 2019 your year of focused and increased prayer!
David Chadwick’s latest booklet, 3-Word Prayers, can help you do just that. It suggests a power-packed approach to prayer that cuts through life’s busyness. And, it’s as simple as 1-2-3—just trim your prayers to three words.
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