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Tetzaveh “You Shall Command”
27 Feb 2010
Exodus 27:20-30:10
Ezekiel 43:10-27
Hebrews 13:10-17
This is also Shabbat Zachor. There is an additional reading from 1Samuel
15:2-34 and Deuteronomy 25:17 regarding Amalek. The book of Esther is
also read during this time.
Scripture reminds us that we must pray to minister to our G-d (Ex 28:1).
Our supplications are to be a constant reminder before HaShem (Ex 28:29).
1 Peter 2:5 states that we are to offer spiritual sacrifices before our
Lord. We are a royal priesthood, a holy nation (1 Peter 2:9).
Prayer represents the establishment of a relationship with G-d. Whether
an entreaty, supplication, a humble request or a religious prayer service,
the act of praying shapes the spiritual basis of life.
If we are to nurture a strong bond with our Creator, we must continually
communicate with Him. It is great to ask G-d: Bless me so I can be a
blessing to others. It is glorious that G-d should “enlarge my border” so
that I might reach more people for His Kingdom. It is right to ask that
G-d’s hand might be with me so that I might be led through the challenges
of life by His sovereign control and not by chance. It is proper to pray,
“Keep me from harm that it may not pain me or others.”
Proper prayer is not merely a means of presenting our requests or pursuing
a relationship with our Heavenly Father. There is no magic formula to get
things from G-d. The secret of prayer is the prayer itself, the blessings
of resting in the presence of G-d. Yeshua often withdrew to lonely places
and prayed (Luke 5:16). Joshua did not depart from the Tabernacle (Exodus
33:11). When you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your
Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret,
will reward you (Matt 6:6).
G-d told Solomon to ask for whatever he wanted, just to name it and it
would be his. He asked for wisdom and understanding (2 Chronicles 1:7).
We do not need to ask what we shall drink, what we shall eat or what we
shall wear (Matt 6:31). We should not keep babbling like pagans, for they
think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like
them, for your Father knows what you need before you even ask Him (Matt
6:7-8).
Prayer becomes truly meaningful when we enter into relationship with G-d.
We can build on that foundation by saturating ourselves with Scripture.
Yeshua said, “If you remain in Me and My words remain in you, ask whatever
you wish and it will be given to you,” (John 15:7).
Shavua Tov
Rabbi Z.
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