Like Blood Through My Veins

This morning, in my bible reading, two separate scriptures jumped out at me. One in the Psalms and one in Mark. They are perfect bookends for one another.

His heart pumps God's Word like blood through his veins. Psalm 37:31a the message


Jesus was matter-of-fact: "Embrace this God-life. Really embrace it, and nothing will be too much for you. This mountain, for instance: Just say, 'Go jump in the lake'—no shuffling or shilly-shallying—and it's as good as done. That's why I urge you to pray for absolutely everything, ranging from small to large. Include everything as you embrace this God-life, and you'll get God's everything. And when you assume the posture of prayer, remember that it's not all asking. If you have anything against someone, forgive—only then will your heavenly Father be inclined to also wipe your slate clean of sins. Mark 11:22-25 the message


How like God to remind me on a Monday, when all the obligations and demands of a new week are vying for my attention, of the most important things: His word and prayer. The cornerstones of my life.

I can't get over the imagery of God's word pumping through my veins. The notion that I would let His holy scriptures course through every part of me, cleansing and transforming me into the woman He's called me to be. To let it be as vital a part of me as life giving blood.

While my studying and reading of the Word has been strong this year, I have to confess that my prayer life has been somewhat lacking. I throw up quick, short prayers most days. When a need arises I don't hesitate to bring into His throne room of grace, but I fail to stop and linger there awhile. It's to my shame. There are needs, real, serious needs in my life and the lives of those around me, that should be bathed in prayer. And in this scripture he commands me not only to bring those big things, but the little things as well. That hearkens me back to a time when I was a child and nothing was too small to bring to the Lord, everything seemed big, seemed worthy of his attention. I want to be like that again.

So that's my prayer this week, above all the other things: That I would be a woman whose heart pumps the Word of God like blood through my veins. That I would be a woman who embraces the God life in prayers for absolutely everything, from large to small.