GENESIS 11:1-4
Reading: They said to each other, "Come,
let's make bricks and bake them thoroughly." They used brick
instead of stone, and tar for mortar. 4 Then they said, "Come,
let us build ourselves a city, with a tower that reaches to the
heavens, so that we may make a name for ourselves and not be scattered
over the face of the whole earth." (Genesis 11:3-4)
Time: ? - 4000 BC
Characters: God, Humanity
Place: Shinar
What's Happening: The people of the earth are trying to become
a superpower.
PRAYER
Dear God,
We will always struggle to become like you. We will always try
to rally others in the cause to overthrow you. My pride leads
me in the rebellion every day when I say "I know better."
Then I convince others of my schemes and bring them onboard or
I influence others to turn away from you. The people of the post-flood
earth tried to unite against you. They felt if they built a tower
high enough, they could show you who is boss. It failed miserably.
There is not power in numbers or effort or will. Truth is…there's
power in you. Today, if I seek "power" may it not be
in my tower-building ways. The only power worth seeking is the
blessing and approval that comes from you. Knowing that you love
me and direct my paths gives me more energy and strength than
I need.
ADDITIONAL PRAYER
"I apologize for my rebellion …"
"I need your power in my situation…"
"I want to tear down my tower of …"
GENESIS 11:5-9
Reading: So the LORD scattered them from
there over all the earth, and they stopped building the city.
9 That is why it was called Babel [c] -because there the LORD
confused the language of the whole world. From there the LORD
scattered them over the face of the whole earth. (Genesis 11:8-9)
Time: ? - 4000 BC
Characters: God, Humanity
Place: Shinar
What's Happening: The people of the earth are trying to become
a superpower.
PRAYER
Dear God,
Any time we turn to our strengths, you immediately show us our
weakness. Any time we try to capitalize on our efforts, you show
us futility. Our towers and monuments to self-accomplishment ultimately
end up in rubble. Our busy work schedule finds us scurrying around
in confusion, trying to make ends meet and details fall into place.
Our demands and commands sound like babble, running off our lips
with little or no meaning. Why is that? The only thing that truly
lasts, that truly withstands time, is what you desire. That only
thing that makes sense is your will for our life. Our Towers of
Babel cannot not outdo you. Those areas of my life that are confusing
may be that way because I am not listening to you and listening
only to myself. Help me to tear down those towers and build altars
to you.
ADDITIONAL PRAYER
"What's not making sense in my life
is …"
"I recognize the rubble of my past efforts…"
"I want clarity in …"
