GREAT PRAYERS OF THE BIBLE

ASAPH’S PRAYER OF WAVERING FAITH

“Surely God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart “Surely God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart. But as for me, my feet had almost slipped; I had nearly lost my foothold. For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.” Psalm 73:1-3 NIV

“They have no struggles; their bodies are healthy and strong “They have no struggles; their bodies are healthy and strong. They are free from the burdens common to man; they are not plagued by human ills. Therefore pride is their necklace; they clothe themselves with violence.” Psalm 73:4-6 NIV

“Surely in vain have I kept my heart pure; in vain have I washed my hands in innocence. All day long I have been plagued; I have been punished every morning.” Psalm 73:13-14 NIV

Asaph’s Faith was Wavering He struggled with envy When he looked around he saw the ungodly prospering, healthy, free from the burdens common to man – Psalm 73:1-12 Then he looked at his own life, struggling, unhappy, feeling deprived, even feeling like he was being punished!

Asaph’s Faith was Wavering He questioned whether being faithful was worth it He thought, this isn’t how it’s suppose to be! – Psalm 73:13-16; Job Have you ever felt that way?

“When I tried to understand all this, it was oppressive to me till I entered the sanctuary of God; then I understood their final destiny. Surely you place them on slippery ground; you cast them down to ruin.” Psalm 73:16-18 NIV

“How suddenly are they destroyed, completely swept away by terrors “How suddenly are they destroyed, completely swept away by terrors! As a dream when one awakes, so when you arise, O Lord, you despise them as fantasies.” Psalm 73:19-20 NIV

Until he Entered the Sanctuary of God There is much to be gained by going to church! In life we are constantly tempted and tried – Psalm 73:3-12; Genesis 3; Matthew 4:1-11 Church is an oasis where we can clear out all the cob webs and reason through things – Psalm 73:17-19; Hebrews 10:24-25

Until he Entered the Sanctuary of God At church we gain a different perspective on life We’re taught to look at things through a spiritual lens with an eternal perspective – Psalm 73:20-22; Matthew 6:19-23 We come to understand that life is like a “dream”– Psalm 73:20; Luke 16:19-31

“Yet I am always with you; you hold me with your right hand “Yet I am always with you; you hold me with your right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory.” Psalm 73:23-24 NIV

“Those who are far from you will perish; you destroy all who are unfaithful to you. But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds.” Psalm 73:27-28 NIV

Asaph’s Faith was Restored through Worship Through worship we’re reminded how blessed we are! We’re reminded of how good God is to us – Psalm 73:23-24 We’re reminded of our great hope of Glory! – Romans 8:18; Revelation 21:3-4; 2 Thessalonians 1:6-10

Asaph’s Faith was Restored through Worship We realize how good it is to be Near God When we’re close to God, nothing else matters – Psalm 73:25; Philippians 4:4-6 I will tell of all your deeds! – Psalm 73:28 Are you telling others how good God is?