Stones of Remembrance

Memory is an important aspect of payer. (Don't people say to you, "Remember me in prayer"? Before Jesus offered Himself as the perfect and acceptable sacrifice, only a priest could access the aptly named Mercy Seat, the dwelling place of God, on behalf of a petitioner. Now, the Word of God tells us, we are altogether being built into a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. (See I Peter 2:5)

The high priests of the Old Testament wore a breastpiece, a square of costly material hung by gold chains from the shoulders. It was held close to the priest's chest, over his heart, by cords from the waistband of his priestly garment. On the breastpiece, precious gems were mounted, each set in gold filigree. There were twelve stones in all, one for each of the sons of Israel, each engraved with the name of one of the twelve tribes.

God's specific instructions were, "Whenever Aaron [the high priest] enters the Holy Place, he will bear the names of the sons of Israel over his heart on the breastpiece . . . as a continuing memorial before the LORD." (Exodus 28:29) Does God need to be reminded? No, but we need to be reminded that God has not forgotten.

There are perhaps individuals or causes in your life for which ouu wish to pay often—even "without ceasing." You would wear them on your heart, so to speak, whenever you come before the Lord. Your "stones of remembrance" may be your closest family and friends—or they may be enemies for whom Jesus said you also must pray! They may be whole groups of people for whom you have a special affinity. They may be causes in which you invest money, time, and energy. They may be difficult circumstances that need God's answer. Whoever, whatever they are, you may want to imagine putting them on a breastpiece as you pray for those concerns each day.

Touch your heart and name the person or cause dearest to you. Speak to God of any special concern you have regarding this stone of remembrance. Move your hand to the middle of your chest and name another individual or group or circumstance. On the right side of your chest, name a third.

Move down a few inches on your left side, and name another row of three. Repast for a third and then a fourth row.

Perhaps you would like to make a little reminder card and picture these concerns as rows of beautiful gems. You can then take with you a remembrance of your continuing prayer to God. (I have done this, and found it helpful.)

MaryMartha

Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®. NIV®. Copyright©1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved.

Art from http://commons.wikimedia.org/