In the book of Ruth we find the Gentile woman, Ruth, working hard gleaning in the fields of Boaz. Boaz recognizes Ruth’s hard work and the way she is caring for her mother-in-law. He comes to her and says, “May the LORD repay you for what you have done. May you be richly rewarded by the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge” (2:12, NIV).
Later, Boaz goes to take a little nap at the far end of the grain pile. Ruth approaches, uncovers his feet, and lies down. This, of course, surprises Boaz, who wakes up and asks, “Who are you?”
“‘I am your servant Ruth,’ she said. ‘Spread the corner of your garment over me since you are a guardian-redeemer of our family’” (3:9). Now, this is a bit odd to our modern ears, but in Boaz’s world, the spreading of a garment over a widow was a way of declaring your intention to marry her. But here is what is truly interesting. In 2:12, Boaz prayed that the Lord would cover Ruth with his wings. The Hebrew word translated as “wings” here is kanaf. Then, in 3:9, Ruth asks Boaz to cover her with his garment. The Hebrew word translated as garment here is...wait for it...kanaf! Boaz prays for Ruth’s care and protection, and then Ruth asks Boaz to be the fulfillment of that prayer.
I saw this kanaf connection in a great book by Kaitlyn Shiess. When I read it, I was struck. So often I pray these grand prayers for God to do this thing or that. This is valid and important; we should be talking to God about everything. But there comes a time when God asks us, “Will you be the answer to that prayer?”
I am challenged by this, and I hope that you are too. Where is God calling you to put your time and attention during this season of your life? Where is God leading you to put your prayer into action?