“No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no human mind has conceived the things God has prepared for those who love him…” 1 Cor. 2:9
“They were longing for a better country—a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.” Heb. 11:16
Heavenly Father, thank you. These two familiar verses are bringing joy to my heart in a fresh, and most powerful way. You are uber-generous and kind beyond all calculation.
We’ve just arrived and settled into a beautiful ranch in Montana, owned by two dear friends. Twelve of us are here on retreat, exploring your Word, and engaging all of our senses in the study of heaven. Meet us, overwhelm us, gentle us.
Open our eyes to see things in the Bible we’ve never, or just partially seen about the “better country” barreling towards us with Jesus’ return.
Quicken our capacity to hear your voice in the Scriptures, but also in sonic wonders of creation. Creation, experienced as you intend, shouts your majesty, sings your beauty, and declares your goodness.
Stretch our minds to ponder the inconceivable—the things you have prepared for those who love you. Oh Father, most unexpectedly, that’s the word that jumped out at me in these two verses today—“prepared.”
Few places on earth have given me a sweeter taste of generous preparation and kind welcome than this ranch. But that’s exactly the point, it’s just a taste, hint, and preview of your heavenly preparation for us, your beloved daughters and sons.
Father, thank you for everything you’ve already given us in Jesus, and everything you have prepared for us. We are stunned, humbled, grateful, In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.