How often have my prayers been directed toward the provision either in terms of my petitions or my praises. “God, please give healing…”, “God, please provide a job…”, “God, thank you for this food…”, “God, thank you for my family…”
I’m not saying that these prayers are wrong or unnecessary. But, they fall short if I only focus on the provision rather than the Provider. Do my prayers of petition ask for that which is of exceedingly greater value than any thing else–God Himself! Do I ask that I might know Him more? Is this not what Peter prays for believers when he says, “But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.” (2 Peter 3:18)
Likewise, do I praise God for being God or for simply being the means to the end of the things I want or need (or think I need)?
There is a danger in this attitude of being like those who witnessed Jesus feeding the 5000. They came to Jesus soon after and said, “Lord, evermore give us this bread.” (John 6:34). They simply wanted Jesus to keep feeding them. They wanted to keep getting the provisions. Look at Jesus’ response.
“I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.” (John 6:35)
The provision fed their bellies. The Provider feeds the soul!
May my prayers be filled with petition and praise for that which is of much greater worth than even the good things of this earth. May He be my treasure.