June 18, 2009 - Acts 9:13

“’Lord,’ Ananias answered, ‘I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your saints in Jerusalem.’” Acts 9:13.
The Lord had given Ananias specific instructions to go to Saul, who was in Damascus, and to pray for the restoration of his sight. Ananias responded to the Lord with a reminder of what Saul had been doing to Ananias’ fellow followers of Jesus in Jerusalem and beyond. Ananias’ reply to the Lord is totally understandable, yet it is interesting that he felt that he needed to “remind” the Lord concerning the reports about Saul, as if the Lord did not know or remember what business Saul was about.
During times of prayer, I know that there are many times when I seek to remind the Lord or to “fill Him in” on information that He might have overlooked. I know that this sounds a bit silly, for who can “inform” the Lord about anything, yet I cannot tell you how many times I, or someone else who I am praying with, have talked to the Lord in just this sort of manner. I, personally, do not think that the Lord minds, because I believe that He loves the relationship between us and Him.
I remember “talks” with my children, when they were young. Often, they would “inform” me of things that I already knew, yet I was totally delighted to hear their comments. The relationship brought so much joy to me that I did not mind in the least any of these types of comments. If I, as an imperfect father, feel that way, imagine what our Father feels when we come to Him.
Questions to consider: Have there been times when you were “informing” the Lord about something? Have you ever experienced someone doing this to you, yet you care so deeply for them that it didn’t matter? How do you imagine God feels toward you when you do that in your relationship with Him?
Prayer: Father, thank you so much for loving us so thoroughly and completely so as to cover some of the silly things that we communicate to You. Thank You that You do not shame us, but instead, You dearly love us. Amen.