A Prayer for Preparation and Divine Encounter
"Wash thyself therefore, and anoint thee, and put thy raiment upon thee, and get thee down to the floor: but make not thyself known unto the man, until he shall have done eating and drinking." - Ruth 3:3
O Great and Gracious Almighty,
In this sacred and hallowed moment, we come before You, our God, our Creator, and Redeemer, recognizing the significance of Your Word and the wisdom it imparts to our lives. Today, we reflect upon the words of Ruth 3:3 from the King James Version, where it is commanded, “Wash thyself therefore, and anoint thee, and put thy raiment upon thee, and get thee down to the floor: but make not thyself known unto the man, until he shall have done eating and drinking.” As we delve into this profound instruction, we humbly seek Your presence and guidance in all that it entails.
Lord, we first acknowledge the act of washing ourselves, which symbolizes not only physical cleanliness but also the spiritual cleansing that we need daily. We confess our sins and shortcomings, understanding that we often carry burdens that weigh heavy on our hearts. In this, we ask for Your mercy and grace to wash us clean through the blood of Christ. Purify our minds, Lord; cleanse our hearts from bitterness, resentment, and any unholy thoughts that may hinder our relationship with You and others. Help us to let go of our past, to release every hurt, and to step into the new creation You’ve made us to be.
As we anoint ourselves, we seek Your Holy Spirit to fill us anew. Just as Ruth was preparing herself to encounter Boaz, we desire to prepare our lives for the divine appointments that You have orchestrated for us. Lord, let Your Spirit fall fresh upon us, igniting a passion and purpose within our souls. Equip us with the power to fulfill the calling You have placed upon our lives. Help us to rise each day, clothed in dignity and love, reflecting Your glory to those around us. May our actions and words be infused with grace, so that those we encounter may see You in us.
Father, as we put on our raiment, remind us of our identity in Christ. Teach us to wear our spiritual garments with pride and humility: the garments of praise instead of a spirit of heaviness, garments of forgiveness instead of bitterness, and garments of love instead of apathy. Help us to adorn ourselves with kindness, compassion, and gentleness, recognizing that these traits are not mere suggestions but vital expressions of our faith. As Ruth adorned herself beautifully for Boaz, may we also be diligent in our appearance before You, reflecting the beauty of our relationship with You.
We then hear the call to “get thee down to the floor,” a summons to positioning ourselves in humility and readiness. Lord, teach us to come before You with the spirit of expectancy, preparing our hearts for the moments of divine appointment that are set before us. Help us to remain attentive, waiting upon You in prayer and worship, seeking Your voice and direction in our lives. May we not rush into seeking answers or outcomes, but instead, learn to dwell in the sacred space You provide, understanding that there is a time for everything.
Yet, in this sacred waiting, remind us of the wisdom in not making ourselves known too quickly. Oh, Lord, grant us the patience to discern Your timing. In a world that often pressures us to act swiftly and declare our intentions prematurely, give us the courage to wait wisely. Teach us the art of stillness, rooted in confidence that all is revealed in due time, according to Your perfect plan.
May this prayer echo in our hearts as we navigate our lives, that we may wash ourselves of all that hinders, anoint ourselves with Your Spirit, don our raiment of righteousness, and position ourselves for divine encounters. May we trust in Your plans, lean on Your wisdom, and boldly step into the future You have for us, knowing You are with us every step of the way. In the name of Jesus, we pray, Amen.
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Ruth 3:3 - "Wash thyself therefore, and anoint thee, and put thy raiment upon thee, and get thee down to the floor: but make not thyself known unto the man, until he shall have done eating and drinking."
"Wash thyself therefore, and anoint thee, and put thy raiment upon thee, and get thee down to the floor: but make not thyself known unto the man, until he shall have done eating and drinking." - Ruth 3:3
Ruth 2:3 – "So she went out, entered a field and began to glean behind the harvesters."
Ruth 1:3 - "And Elimelech Naomi's husband died; and she was left, and her two sons."
Ruth 3:9 - "And he said, Who art thou? And she answered, I am Ruth thine handmaid: spread therefore thy skirt over thine handmaid; for thou art a near kinsman."
Ruth 3:5 - "And she said unto her, All that thou sayest unto me I will do."
Ruth 3:8 - "¶ And it came to pass at midnight, that the man was afraid, and turned himself: and, behold, a woman lay at his feet."
Ruth 3:12 - "And now it is true that I am thy near kinsman: howbeit there is a kinsman nearer than I."
Ruth 3:1 - "Then Naomi her mother in law said unto her, My daughter, shall I not seek rest for thee, that it may be well with thee?"
Ruth 3:6 - "¶ And she went down unto the floor, and did according to all that her mother in law bade her."
Ruth 3:2 - "And now is not Boaz of our kindred, with whose maidens thou wast? Behold, he winnoweth barley to night in the threshingfloor."
Ruth 3:17 - "And she said, These six measures of barley gave he me; for he said to me, Go not empty unto thy mother in law."
Ruth 4:3 - "And he said unto the kinsman, Naomi, that is come again out of the country of Moab, selleth a parcel of land, which was our brother Elimelech's:"
Ruth 2:3 - "And she went, and came, and gleaned in the field after the reapers: and her hap was to light on a part of the field belonging unto Boaz, who was of the kindred of Elimelech."
Ruth 3:11 - "And now, my daughter, fear not; I will do to thee all that thou requirest: for all the city of my people doth know that thou art a virtuous woman."
Ruth 3:18 - "Then said she, Sit still, my daughter, until thou know how the matter will fall: for the man will not be in rest, until he have finished the thing this day."
"And Elimelech Naomi's husband died; and she was left, and her two sons." - Ruth 1:3
"And now it is true that I am thy near kinsman: howbeit there is a kinsman nearer than I." - Ruth 3:12
Ruth 3:14 - "¶ And she lay at his feet until the morning: and she rose up before one could know another. And he said, Let it not be known that a woman came into the floor."
Ruth 3:16 - "And when she came to her mother in law, she said, Who art thou, my daughter? And she told her all that the man had done to her."
Ruth 3:15 - "Also he said, Bring the vail that thou hast upon thee, and hold it. And when she held it, he measured six measures of barley, and laid it on her: and she went into the city."
"Then said she, Sit still, my daughter, until thou know how the matter will fall: for the man will not be in rest, until he have finished the thing this day." - Ruth 3:18
Ruth 3:10 - "And he said, Blessed be thou of the LORD, my daughter: for thou hast shewed more kindness in the latter end than at the beginning, inasmuch as thou followedst not young men, whether poor or rich."
Ruth 3:7 - "And when Boaz had eaten and drunk, and his heart was merry, he went to lie down at the end of the heap of corn: and she came softly, and uncovered his feet, and laid her down."
"¶ And it came to pass at midnight, that the man was afraid, and turned himself: and, behold, a woman lay at his feet." - Ruth 3:8
"And she said unto her, All that thou sayest unto me I will do." - Ruth 3:5
"And when she came to her mother in law, she said, Who art thou, my daughter? And she told her all that the man had done to her." - Ruth 3:16
"And he said, Who art thou? And she answered, I am Ruth thine handmaid: spread therefore thy skirt over thine handmaid; for thou art a near kinsman." - Ruth 3:9
"¶ And she went down unto the floor, and did according to all that her mother in law bade her." - Ruth 3:6
Ruth 3:4 - "And it shall be, when he lieth down, that thou shalt mark the place where he shall lie, and thou shalt go in, and uncover his feet, and lay thee down; and he will tell thee what thou shalt do."