Entering His Gates

 

Husband arrives home:  "Honey, would you mind fixing that drip in the kitchen sink?  And don't forget to fill the bird feeders; there've been no songbirds here at all today.  Oh, and I need those batteries from Menards for the bark collar.  And please help me think through the menus for the week when all the kids are here."  Nice welcome, huh? 

Now, while we wouldn't dream of treating our husbands like hired servants (or maybe we would and do), we do that to the Lord all the time.  "Lord, please help me with this, and keep so-and-so safe, and heal this friend, and don't forget to work on world peace."  Rarely a how-do-you-do or thanks for the last safe trip you gave my loved one. 

Here's how the Psalmist teaches us to approach Him (from Psalm 100):  Enter His gates with thanksgiving, and His courts with praise! Give thanks to Him; bless His name!   The Lord of Hosts, King of all the earth, is the One with whom we are speaking.  Think of who He is.  Think of all that He has done.  Fix your eyes on His greatness and His kindness to you and those you love.  Enter His presence gratefully and worshipfully. 

Of course, there are times we cry out to Him with requests and intercessions, forgetting the thankful parts. He knows we are dust, and need His help.  But these ways of entering His gates should be the exception in our prayers, not the rule.  Remember, we are entering His gates and His courts. 

Bless His name!