"In holy conversation we speak to God in prayer, And at His invitation our deepest thoughts we share. We come, His will obeying, as children bringing needs; And to support our praying, His Spirit intercedes.
"These holy conversations begin in childlike ways; We bring our supplications and words of thanks and praise. With care our Father listens to ev'ry thought expressed, Then answers our petitions in ways He knows are best."
We must admit that some of our daily conversations are far from holy. Arguments, angry replies, and quarrelsome social media posts do not reflect our calling as God's holy people. We also have conversations that are marked by honest interest, kindness, and compassion, but even those welcome dialogues are not usually defined as "holy."
Prayer is a holy conversation because the One to whom we speak is holy. He is our God and Creator, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ and our Father. Prayer is a holy conversation because our Holy Father has invited us to speak with Him. He wants to hear us and "listens to ev'ry thought expressed." Prayer is a holy conversation because God has, in Christ, made us holy, that is, righteous in His sight and set apart for service in Jesus' Name. We are, by God's grace through faith in Jesus, "a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation" (1 Peter 2:9a). As holy priests, we have the privilege of bringing our petitions before the throne of God.
Our holy conversations "begin in childlike ways" because "God has sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, 'Abba, Father!'" (Galatians 4:6b). We use the psalms, formal prayers of the church, written devotional prayers and simple, heartfelt requests. We may use the precious words of the Lord's Prayer or offer short, desperate pleas like that of Peter on the storm-tossed Sea of Galilee when he said, "Lord, save me!" (Matthew 14:30b). All of these prayers are holy conversations spoken by holy priests to God and as children talking to their Father.
These holy conversations may not always sound very holy as we call out to God in fear or frustration. Yet even those words are holy because our Holy Father invites us, even commands us, to pray. When words fail us, "to support our praying, His Spirit intercedes." It is a two-way conversation; we hear our Father's reply in the Scriptures, the inspired Word of the One who is always listening. In that Word we have His promise to grant us the peace found in holy conversation: "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:6-7).
WE PRAY: Thank You, Heavenly Father, for the privilege of prayer. Amen.
This Daily Devotion was written by Dr. Carol Geisler. It is based on the hymn, "In Holy Conversation," which is number 772 in the Lutheran Service Book.
Reflection Questions:
1. Who is the first person you talk to each day?
2. The tongue is a difficult beast to tame. How do you keep your speech holy?
3. How can starting the day in prayer benefit our conversation throughout the day?
Today's Bible Readings: Psalms 67, 71 Philippians 2
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