Week 3 Surrender To The Spirit’s Work In You
November 18, 2009 by Cath
Filed under Passionate Prayer QT Experience Blog ~ Catherine Martin
Ocean, wide flowing Ocean, Thou,
Of uncreated Love;
I tremble as within my soul
I feel Thy waters move.
Thou art a sea without a shore;
Awful, immense Thou art;
A sea which can contract itself
Within my narrow heart.
Federick William Faber
Week 3 was all about confession, David’s sin, and Psalm 51. But somehow, the Lord took me to surrender this week. I was profoundly moved by Day 4, all about the Holy Spirit and His work in me. I have been thinking a lot about the presence of the Holy Spirit and His work in our lives. I loved what Tozer said - the Spirit-filled life is “the normal state for every redeemed man and woman the world over. It is ‘that mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: to whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory’” (Colossians 1:26 KJV).
Christ in us IS a mystery, but oh, how His presence in us changes everything - our choices, our lifestyle, our purpose. I have been actively conscious and intentional, following the example of Brother Lawrence, and practicing the presence of the Lord. I’ll stop for a moment during my day and just speak with the Lord, thanking Him that I am not alone.
This study is so timely for my life. In fact, I prayed the prayer in Psalm 104:27 “They all wait for You to give them their food in due season. You give to them, they gather it up; you open Your hand, they are satisfied with good.” The reason for my prayer was a particular need and I just said “Thank You Lord that you give in due season. I’m waiting for You, Lord.” I saw the Lord meet my need specifically and exactly the same day - how cool is that!!!
I loved the practical application in the Adore God In Prayer section on Day 4 and listed out all my surrenders. One surrender in particular was from Proverbs 3:5 - I surrendered my desire to understand what’s going on and what God is doing. I said, “Lord I’m giving this desire to understand to You - You don’t have to explain what You’re doing - I am choosing to trust You whether I understand or not.
Well, friends, until we share again. God bless you.
In His Love,
Catherine
Mr. Faber’s poem moved me deeply this week, Catherine. I share on the Cafe that Day 4 was my day of entrenchment! Being empty and willing for the Holy Spirit needed some work. He intercedes for me.
This poem, I read and reread. “Thou art a sea without a shore;…” can fit within my “narrow heart” continues to touch me even as I type this today. He encompasses All yet dwells in my heart. He lives where my emotions live, where compassion lives, where fears and hurts live. He knows me far better than I know me. I must be empty and clear for I want His prayers to be clear to the Father. My ’stuff’ puts me in the midst of the prayer. I want clarity and to be in my Father’s Will. The Holy Spirit knows what His Will is. I want Him to pray for me.
I confess and surrender, knowing these are ongoing processes, but so is trusting the Holy Spirit with the prayers I so desire to pray passionately. Whether I know what they are or not, He does and always will. May I live in His wisdom. May I be His in all ways.