Back to the Beginning
Often in life, we just need to go Back to the Beginning.
Every January, our church observes 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting. Each day we corporately focus on specific scripture and prayers. During this time, I have noticed a pattern. Words that begin with the prefix RE keep appearing. These words included: reveal, restore, release, renew, repair, refresh, recover, redeem, revive, rekindle, reflect, rebuild, and repent.
Out of curiosity, I researched the definition of the prefix RE. Interestingly, RE means again and again, to go back to the beginning or to the original. With that in mind, what’s the connection to prayer and fasting and words that begin with the prefix RE?
Back to the Beginning
Genesis 1:1 says, In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. God’s creation was perfect in the Garden of Eden, where all lived in oneness with the Father. Unfortunately, sin entered the world. From that moment on, Romans 3:23 has resulted. For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.
Even though we live in a fallen world, our loving Father has provided a way back to Eden, through Jesus, His Son. Again and again, God calls us to metaphorically return to the Garden of Eden, where we can experience intimacy with the Father.
A Garden Surrounds the King
Here’s an interesting fact. A garden often surrounds a king’s palace. (Similar to how the Rose Garden surrounds the White House). Gardens are a landscape of creative power, eliciting majesty and grandeur. In like manner, the Garden of Eden surrounds our God. Consequently, God uses RE words to invite us back to the beginning, to find unity with the Father as was experienced in the Garden of Eden.
There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at the break of day. Psalms 46:4-5
Prayer and Fasting
During this time of prayer and fasting, we come before God humbly, with arms wide open, confessing we have fallen short. Self is diminished while God is magnified. We desire to hear from God, and grow in communion and intimacy with our Lord. We declare the RE words. With conviction, we ask the Lord, through the blood of Jesus, to take us back to the beginning, to the Garden of Eden.
Unfortunately, sin is ever-present on this earth. Though we strive for Eden, we know it is not fully realized. However, we look forward to when Jesus Christ RETURNS. Then sin will no longer have power over us. At that time, completeness and unity with God will exist. Amen!
Thank you, Heavenly Father, for the prefix RE, that symbolizes second chances—a prefix that gives us hope. Now, we wait. We eagerly anticipate that glorious day, when we will reign with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in perfection and holiness. Until then, we will push toward Eden, back to the beginning.
Questions to Consider:
- Which RE word or words are you striving for right now? Why?
- Share an area in your life where you need a second chance.
