Jesus enters Jerusalem amidst all the laurel and praise due to Him. He enters the Temple and is appalled at the place of Meeting (between God and man) changed to a business/trading center. He overthrows all the money changers’ stalls and tables. (The letter of the law kills but the spirit gives life). Yes the law required and allowed for different sacrifices for the forgiveness of sins. However it was not meant to be a hindrance for worshipers or a means of business for the leaders. Jesus sees the heart, reprimands those doing business within the Temple. The people see their leader/teacher in action. There is more praise “Hosanna to the Son of David”.
Another good reminder – We are called to be in communion with our Creator. So lets pray, lets praise.
I really like the Message translation for the verses in Mark 11:22 – 25 ( The context is the Fig tree, the disciples see that the tree that Jesus cursed because it had no fruit (out of season – if I may add (shudder)) has now withered!
Mark 11:22 – 25 (The Message) Jesus was matter-of-fact: “Embrace this God-life. Really embrace it, and nothing will be too much for you. This mountain, for instance: Just say, ‘Go jump in the lake’—no shuffling or shilly-shallying—and it’s as good as done. That’s why I urge you to pray for absolutely everything, ranging from small to large. Include everything as you embrace this God-life, and you’ll get God’s everything. And when you assume the posture of prayer, remember that it’s not all asking. If you have anything against someone, forgive—only then will your heavenly Father be inclined to also wipe your slate clean of sins.”
So lets pray, lets praise, lets forgive so we can thrive this ‘God-life’.
There are many postures of prayer. In the Christian way of Life some postures include falling face down (Abraham, David and even the elders in Heaven), with outstretched hands, kneeling in prayer, or walking and even looking up to the heavens in prayer. In some religions as a sign of humility they roll around on the ground in prayer.
But really there isn’t one method that is superior than another however there is something to be said about body language. The posture you choose engages you in a whole body expression. But the posture by itself does nothing – God sees the heart (remember). However postures are a valuable contribution to communication. It is a non-verbal form of communication. So go for it. Yield yourself to a posture of prayer with your whole body.
If you would like to use either of the above pictures (2 postures of prayer) as a meditative tool while you pray email me at sujas.selah@gmail.com. You may choose to doodle your prayers, color them or trace them. Fill in this form below and receive a link to a printable copy of it.
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