Daily Reading // 2 Corinthians 12:7-13
READY // SILENCIO
Take a moment to quiet your mind and prepare your heart for your time with the Lord.
READ // LECTIO
Read the passage above up to threw times aloud. Allow yourself to feel the words as they are read.
REFLECT // MEDITATIO
Now direct your focus on the words, phrases concepts or sentences that got your attention. What is God speaking to you today through His word?
2 Corinthians 12:8-9 (NKJV) 8 Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. 9 And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
Paul lets us in on a prayer interaction between him and the Lord. Just one small aspect of a much larger prayer life.
It’s a great learning experience for me.
Paul tells us about a prayer request he brought to the Lord. He wanted his prayer answered and his request granted. He pleaded with the Lord to answer his prayer. He pleaded multiple times.
Paul was thinking, like I do: I bring a prayer request to the Lord and He answers it. I get my request answered. That’s how prayer works.
That’s not what happened.
Instead Paul’s prayer and God’s response resulted in a change of perspective for Paul. His prayer caused him to see his need in a different way. That was the answer. That’s what he really needed. He didn’t need his request granted. He needed to see it in a different way.
That’s true for me, too. As I bring things to the Lord in prayer it may be to change the thing or it may be to change me.
Prayer changes perspective.
Paul seemed very happy with his new perspective. Maybe that’s just what I need, too.
RESPOND // ORATIO
Pray in response to what the Lord has spoken to you.
Jesus, Thank You for always answering my prayers. Thank You for not always giving me what I ask for. Amen.
Tomorrow’s reading -> 2 Corinthians 12:14-21
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