Bruised Knees
Many parents pass down family traditions to their children. There is often much effort being put into insuring their children’s future by establishing wills, planning estates, and building investments for the next generation. However, I heard one great preacher say that the best thing you can leave your children is your faith. How do you know that you have left them your faith? Look at their knees!
Pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17). I am referring to the concept of bruised knees. This symbolizes one who is in a constant state of prayer. Prayers do not have to be long and elaborate. It is just a conscious awareness of God’s presence throughout the day. This is easy to take for granted because we don’t realize how often God preserves us on a daily basis. However, in a world full of deception and uncertainty, passing this practice down to our children is the most valuable family tradition we can ever leave behind.
What makes prayer so powerful? Prayer helps me get to a mental place where I let go of my own efforts. Initially, it causes me some distress because I am so attached to my own way of doing things. However, if I sit still long enough and ask God what He wants, I later feel a peace that allows me to see past the problem. I am not an expert at this because peace usually comes after I am tired of complaining and/or having many tearful fits. However, in His faithfulness and patience, He always gives me the right mind to solve problems His way.
How does prayer make us powerful? Among many examples, the following prayers were demonstrated in the Bible:
Elijah’s bold prayer, “… Lord God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, let it be known this day that You are God in Israel and I am Your servant, and that I have done all these things at Your word.” (1 Kings 18: 36)
Moses’ prayer for help, “ Now, therefore, I pray, if I have found grace in Your sight, show me now Your way, that I may know You and that I may find grace in Your sight. Please show me Your glory.” (Exodus 33: 13, 18)
Gideon’s prayer for reassurance, “ If You will save Israel by my hand as You have said- look, I shall put a fleece of wool on the threshing floor; if there is dew on the fleece only, and it is dry on all the ground, then I shall know that You will save Israel by my hand, as You have said.” (Judges 6: 36-37)
Jesus’ prayer of surrender, “ O, My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will.” (Matthew 26:39)
David’s humble and earnest prayers can be read throughout the entire book of Psalm.
The Bible revealed how God worked on behalf of those who did not rely on their own efforts. The most powerful place for us to be is on our knees. Pass it on!
Teresa Barnes, MSW, LCSW
Clinical Therapist
