Pass It On

The county fair is on this week– seven days of community-wide activities, including, but not limited to:

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Carnival rides
Games
Concerts
Exhibits of home arts, fine arts, craft items, and locally grown produce
Carnival food booths– pulled pork, corn dogs, elephant ears, ice cream, sno-cones, cotton candy, caramel corn, sausages on sticks, fried cheese curds, fried veggies (with ranch dip), cinnamon buns, fruit slushes and “shake-ups”, pizza, steak wraps, fried rice, tamales and burritos, craft root beer, funnel cakes, popcorn, caramel apples, and so much more to choose from!

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Farm animals on display everywhere– pigs, chickens, cows, horses, ducks, geese, turkeys, goats, sheep, rabbits, pigeons, cats, a burro, an emu, and probably more that I missed–perhaps a mule or an alpaca!
Youth competitions for animal showmanship, arts and crafts, etc.
A quilting competition
Commercial and community booths featuring local businesses, churches, political groups, schools, and services
Tractor pulls, horse pulls, Motocross, a Demolition Derby, and a Monster Truck show
Free live entertainment venues
Antique and new tractors on display
People– lots of people…some of them who live in the area, and some who visit from neighboring counties and states.

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What does the County Fair have to do with prayer? I suppose for some, there is no connection. For me, there are two ways prayer goes hand in hand with the County Fair:

The local Fair is a long-standing tradition, tying the community together and celebrating its heritage and hope for the future. All around the fairgrounds, there are banners and plaques honoring people who have given of their time and talent to this community– farmers, teachers, civic leaders, doctors, police officers, pastors, donors, veterinarians, business owners, parents, coaches, and helpers. In each generation, people pass on their knowledge, enthusiasm, passion, and excellence to those who will use it, expand on it, modify it, and pass it along to others. In the same way, prayer warriors of the past have inspired and led people to the knowledge and love of Christ– many of the names at the fair represent people who poured love into, and prayed for my generation. They discipled, taught, cared for, and inspired me and so many others. We don’t worship them as idols or honor them in place of God, but we honor the way God used their lives as examples for us to follow. Even those who were not Christ-followers had talents and wisdom that they shared, and God used, to help others. This is a tradition worth celebrating, remembering, and continuing.

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The County Fair is a great place to see people I know but don’t always get to talk to
- Classmates from school I haven’t seen in ages.
- “Children” (now grown with children of their own) I used to babysit.
- Former students, from when I was a schoolteacher.
- Former neighbors, friends of my family, and people I knew from the church I attended as a child.
- Family and extended family who still live in various parts of the county or surrounding counties.
- People for whom I have been praying– because I have heard of their needs or seen an e-mail or FB post or talked to a concerned family member.
- What an honor and a privilege to spend time (even a short minute or two) to catch up, encourage and be encouraged, or even share a smile or a memory! I might meet up with someone who needs a hug, a simple assurance, or even an “on the spot” prayer. I might also have the opportunity to reconnect, restore a relationship, or even meet a new friend. In addition, I see exhibits with names of people I know– people I can be praying for with joy and gratitude for all that they mean or have meant in my life.

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I hope, for anyone reading this, that you can think of times or opportunities when you can connect, reconnect, or form connections with others in your community. Think of ways others have challenged, inspired, or encouraged you. Take a minute to lift them up in prayer, and, if you have the chance, to pass on (or back) some of what they have given you along the way. Imagine what even the smallest connection can do to spread God’s love to others.

August 2, 2018 1

The Seven-Layer Prayer

Growing up, I loved going to pot-luck meals at our little country church. Neighbors, family, and friends would bring large dishes of home-cooked deliciousness for all to feast on as we chatted, laughed, and encouraged one another. There were certain dishes we all could count on–homemade yeast rolls, courtesy of Lulu M. Jello with fruit was my mom’s standard. Another lady almost always brought meat loaf. Baked beans, candied carrots, fried chicken, chocolate cake, scalloped potatoes– my mouth still waters just from the memories! The wonderful woman who has since become my mother-in-law brought her famous cookies, and often, a seven-layer salad.

I love Mom’s seven layer salad, and I have learned to make my own variation. It’s easy, it’s delicious, it’s healthful, and it travels well. I’ve seen other recipes that use different vegetables, don’t use eggs or meat or mayo–I’m sure they’re ok, but I’m happy to stick with the basic outline that follows below.

I was thinking about the seven-layer salad the other day– it’s a wonderful dish for this time of year– chilled and utilizing fresh produce, and I realized that you can use a similar “recipe” for prayer. So here’s my modified “Seven-Layer Prayer” recipe:

First, start with a layer of “Let Us”
- Prayer doesn’t happen without an act of the will. We must be deliberate about setting aside time and thought for prayer every day. We should “leaf” the busyness and chaos of the day and “romaine” in fellowship with the Father!

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Next, add a layer of “Care”-rots (shredded).
- 1 Peter 5:7 New King James Version (NKJV)
  ⁷casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.
- Give your worries and cares over to the One who cares most about you and all those you love.
Now you can add the “Peas” that passes all understanding
- Trust that God hears and answers prayer.
- Trust that God is in control.
- Trust that God is Good, Wise, and Loving.
- Rest in the knowledge that “God’s Got This!”

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Here’s where I like to add some “Meet” (usually bacon!, sometimes ham or chicken)
- While it’s vital that we spend time in personal, private prayer, God also wants us to meet regularly with others for fellowship, mutual encouragement, accountability, PRAYER, and guidance.
Now it gets a little dicey–diced onion (sometimes I substitute green onions or sliced or diced mushrooms)
- Time to peel back the layers, and cut through to the root of anything that is getting in the way of a closer walk with God–confess it and give it over to Him.
- Sometimes, this process may cause tears, or involve a little dirt– clean it up before you proceed!
Time for some dressing– mayonnaise or salad dressing. Annoint your salad, and your prayer, with oil. Remember, God has annointed you to spread His love and grace to others. Don’t forget to add this to your prayer life. Just as the dressing will coat all the elements of the salad, so God’s Spirit will surround and influence your words and actions done for Him!
“Cheese!” It’s a “gouda” idea to round out prayer with a time of joyful thanksgiving. Pile it on– God’s given us a LOT for which to be “grate”-ful!

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Finally, the garnish– Hard-boiled eggs. These remind me of the new life we have in Christ, the Triune nature of God (we used to have lessons in Sunday School about the egg having three parts but being a single egg. We don’t use the shell in the salad, of course, but you can’t make a boiled egg without all three parts…), and also, the yolk reminds me of Heaven’s streets of gold. In prayer, we should remember God’s faithfulness in fulfilling His promises, and the hope we have in Him.

That’s the basic recipe for a seven layer salad– enough of each ingredient for a healthy “layer”. I’ve added extra layers a couple of times–diced tomatoes or peppers are good if you are planning to eat the salad quickly, but they will cause sogginess if you let the salad sit. (Also, if you use peas, use fresh if you can– drain canned peas, or get rid of any ice crystals if using frozen peas. )

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A good seven-layer prayer should also be presented fresh, and savored. It’s delicious, it’s good for you, it feeds others, and it travels well! Try some!

August 1, 2018 0

A Little T.L.P.

How do you pray effectively for people who are sick, suffering, or depressed? I find my first instinct is to pray for a return to “normal”–a speedy end to whatever is uncomfortable, abnormal, or unwanted. “Lord, make it end. Take it away.” I want instant healing, a dramatic turnabout in their circumstances. In other words, I want for them what I would want for me.

This is good, but is it Biblical? Yes and no. The Bible is filled with healing, and with prayer for healing. Jesus healed, and so did many of the prophets and disciples. In most cases, the healing was prefaced by prayer, and often followed up with prayers of worship and thanksgiving. But there are two things I notice that bear closer inspection:

Not everyone received instant healing; some received no healing in this lifetime. (Examples– Paul was never healed of his “thorn in the flesh”; Lazarus was raised from the dead, but he was not healed of his illness; Jacob (Israel) never lost his limp, etc.)
Most of the healing was accompanied not only by prayer, but by personal interaction. Jesus didn’t start a prayer chain for someone 100 miles away– he spoke with them, laid hands on them, and prayed with them. The prophets followed the same pattern. Healing comes from God, but it often comes with tenderness, compassion, and sharing from another person. God works through his people. That doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t share prayer requests online or pray for loved ones far away. But it does mean that our prayers are only part of the picture.

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We need to avoid “disconnected” prayers– generic prayers for “good outcomes.” Instead, we need prayers that involve us in the work of healing and connecting people with each other, and with Christ.

It is risky and uncomfortable to pray this way, but when we hear about someone struggling, let’s pray for their recovery, and then, let’s pray that God would show us how we can be His hands and feet (or ears and lips) to help make the healing complete–sometimes even just a note of encouragement, or ten minutes spent visiting can glorify God and spread healing and hope. If we are not in a position to be with another person, pray that God will send someone alongside to encourage.

I know many who already do this– it’s nothing new. But we live in an age where we “know” more people than ever before, but we interact personally with very few. There are many in our “sphere” who are desperate for a little TLP– Tender, Loving Prayer. Let’s see that we’re giving it.

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July 31, 2018 0

Nought Be All Else to Me…

“Be Thou my vision, O Lord of my Heart;
Nought be all else to me, save that Thou Art.”

⁷But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. ⁸What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ⁹and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in^[a] Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. ¹⁰I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, ¹¹and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.

¹²Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. ¹³Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, ¹⁴I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 3:7-14 (NIV)

Have you spent time recently with someone who is young and “in love” for the first time? You may spend time with them, but their time, their thoughts, their energy, their conversation– all revolves around their loved one. All the other things in life are secondary, and life is lived on auto-pilot. They forget to eat; forget to do even the most ordinary tasks, and daydream through whatever tasks they do manage to complete. What time is it? What are they wearing? Is the snowing? Raining? Have they spoken to their parents today? They don’t know! They don’t care. But they can tell you how long it has been since they’ve spoken to “that” person. They remember what they wore, what they ate last night, what they said two days ago, and how their hair reflected the moonlight…

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God is not so foolishly forgetful as we are, but he loves us with that same kind of abandon…he knows the very hairs on our head. He knows our thoughts and every joy and hurt in our heart. He loves the sound of our name, and the sound of our voice as we call to him. He longs for the same ardent love from us.

When we sing a line like “nought be all else to me, save that Thou art,” or we read the Apostle Paul talk about everything else in his life being rubbish or garbage, we are not literally saying that everything is worthless, or that we would rather sit alone in a darkened room than to live our lives in the world and interact with those around us. God has not called us to be hermits who pray in locked rooms on our knees for 20 hours a day. He does not call us to fast to the point of starvation, or shun all human contact. Jesus himself did not despise food or rest or people.

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But He did say some startling things about the importance of God in relation to all the things of this world. God gave us wonderful gifts– sunlight, water, food, blue sky, grass and trees, families and friends. God wants us to enjoy them–AS GIFTS. Never should we love the gift more than the giver. Never should we take the gifts for granted or forget that they are gifts– not earned, not the work of our own hands. If we are not careful, they can become idols and distractions. Suddenly, we are torn in our affections. God wants us to love our neighbor, but not to worship her/him. God wants us to nurture our families, but he wants to be part of that process, not left on the sidelines. God wants us to use our talents and our gifts to benefit others. And God’s gifts, while always “good” are not always pleasant or easy. Loving others can be risky and exhausting. Putting God first often means sacrifice and ridicule. And some of God’s gifts may be wrapped in hardship. When we experience tragedy, like a house fire, that is not a “gift” from God. But God will send us gifts even in times of grief or stress– an understanding friend, a temporary shelter, a renewed sense of purpose–in the midst of our darkest moments.

Young love, while ardent and intense, often burns itself out. TV shows and football games become more “important” than deep conversation and longing looks. “He makes me laugh,” turns into, “he never takes anything seriously.” “She walks in beauty like the night,” becomes, “She snores like a pig!” Worse, we take for granted that we know each other “well enough.” God knows this– he warns us that the same thing can happen to us in our relationship with Him. We can easily be pulled away or lulled into a false sense that “all is well” even as we drift off course. We need reminders of God’s rightful place in the center of our attention– our focus and vision fixed on Him.

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“Nought be all else to me” isn’t about the things of this life disappearing or being worthless; it’s about them being “worth” less than the one who rules over all things.

July 27, 2018 0

Be Thou My Vision

One of my favorite old hymns is the ancient Irish tune, “Be Thou My Vision.” I have heard it jokingly referred to as “the optometrist’s hymn.” But there’s a lot more to unpack in the title than just a plug for good eye care.

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God’s word is full of references to sight, seeing, blindness, light, lamps, darkness, night, day, visions and dreams, foresight and prophecy, images and reflections, and much more. God is both the source of our sight, and of our insight. God sheds light on our deepest secrets of the past, and provides a lamp allowing us to see the obstacles ahead more clearly. Jesus came to be the Light of the World, and bring sight to the blind, both physically blind and spiritually blind.

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Many times, we pray for answers– we want a quick solution to our circumstances, or a definitive direction for our next step. But God sometimes wants to show us a bigger picture. Sometimes, he wants to show us more intricate details. Instead of asking for what we want God to give us, we need to ask for God to give us the vision HE has for our future. He may not reveal every detail– or he may only reveal the next detailed step. But God’s vision is clearer and bigger, and more glorious than we will ever know if we aren’t willing to look with His eyes to see.

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We also need to ask God to BE our vision– that we would see him more clearly for Who He Is! Whatever is in our focus will appear bigger and clearer than things in the periphery. When we allow Him to be our vision, we start to see things from His perspective, which makes all the difference. What we see on our own is often an optical illusion– problems look bigger than they really are, hurts and grievances grow larger, and people become distorted by the lenses or mirrors we use to view them. And we lose sight of God’s glory, wisdom, majesty, power, and everlasting love. But God restores our focus and our perspective, so that we see problems in the light of His power to overcome; we see people who are made in His likeness and image– people who are loved by God, even if they are in rebellion against Him. We see the glory of God’s creation as it was meant to be, even as we see the wreckage of pollution, corruption, disease and disaster. We see God’s mercy as lives are transformed and families are mended and justice is finally achieved. And we see the rays of hope in God’s promises fulfilled and those yet to be fulfilled.

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July 26, 2018 0

The Just and the Unjust

“God isn’t Fair!” I hear this often from angry and bitter people who have suffered losses or disappointments in life. Some of their losses are heavy and come with great pain– loss of a child, loss of a home, loss of health…these are legitimate losses, and there are no conclusive, comprehensive or comforting answers. In fact, in many ways, God is NOT “fair”– as we usually define “fair.” God sends life, health, happiness, sunshine and rain to both the “just” and the “unjust”; to both rich and poor, tall and short, ugly and good looking, gracious and annoying, kind and cruel… Tragedy strikes at random, some are touched by it, others seem to be plagued by it, and still others skate through life unscathed.

God may not seem “fair”, but let’s look at it from another angle. God sends rain and sunshine on the just and the unjust. He sends gifts, and we use, abuse, accept, or reject them. Circumstances and outcomes are not always pleasant, but does this mean they are “bad?” And when they are easy, and comfortable, does this always make them “good?” Good people have to endure tragedy– this is usually what we focus on when we talk about God being “unfair.” And we generally put ourselves in the “good” category. Why should we have hardship and pain, while “bad” people seem to get a “pass?” Shouldn’t bad things only happen to bad people, while good people enjoy only good things? Sounds “fair”, doesn’t it?

But what happens when the world operates on that principle? If “bad” people are the only ones who get sick, then they deserve to be sick– not healed. If “bad” people are the only ones to experience poverty, then we don’t need to help the poor or the needy. Good people should be rich and healthy. But what if we are sometimes good, and sometimes selfish? Do we deserve to keep all that’s good if we misuse it, or lose all that’s good if we go astray and then repent? Is that fair?! Where is the motivation to cure diseases, share resources, or enforce laws? Who decides whether your “good” idea is “good” for everyone around you? Who can ascend to heaven and tell God what is “fair?”

God created us in His image, and that means that we have a spirit that longs for justice and fairness. It’s how we recognize evil and injustice. But sin clouds our eyes, and poisons our world–pollution doesn’t just hurt the people who pollute; arson doesn’t just burn the arsonist; drunk drivers don’t just hurt themselves; and so on. We don’t look at the evil or thoughtless or “unfair” things we have done or said that went unpunished or unnoticed. And we discount all the unmerited blessings that have come our way– God is often “unfair” in our favor! We don’t complain about that.

God is not the author of “unfairness”, though He allows it. And, while I can’t explain away pain and suffering when they occur, I know two things:

God is Gracious– If God’s justice were not tempered by mercy, every mistake, every sin, would be unforgivable and eternally ours to bear. Every random thoughtless action, and all its consequences, would weigh us down forever.

God is Just–Jesus’s death was about redemption and restoration– He didn’t just die to “save” you from hell– He died to restore you to the person and position for which you were created– whole, pure, unstained and uncorrupted. This wasn’t “Plan B”– this was His eternal plan, and it includes perfect justice and perfect restoration.

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Knowing these things does not take away the pain of the present. It does not make suffering easy; it does not erase the loss. But it can allow us to take the next step, and the next, on our journey. Rain or shine.

July 23, 2018 0

This Little Light…

Yesterday, I wrote about reflections– about being a reflection of God’s character in a dark world. Today just happens to be the 49th anniversary of the first moon landing, so I’d like to revisit yesterday’s theme, but with a slightly different analogy.

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Mirrors, lakes, glass, and more can be used to reflect both light and images. The moon reflects light from the sun to light our way at night. God created it to do just that, and I believe that God never wastes an opportunity to teach us lessons in nature. So I want to look at just some of the ideas that occur to me about how the moon can teach us about reflecting God’s light in our darkened world.

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First, the moon generates no light on its own. The moon is NOT the sun– it does not and cannot generate light or heat. On its own, it is lifeless and cold. But because of where it is, and what it is, it provides light, acts on the oceans to create tides, and helps us chart the weeks, months, and seasons. The moon doesn’t act independently, but it has purpose and beauty in reflecting the sun and following its prescribed orbit around the earth. If the moon were smaller, farther from the earth, nearer to the earth, or different in its nature, the effect on the earth and on all life would be devastating.

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Second, the moon can only reflect the sun’s light when it is in position to do so. Moonlight is different every night because of its changing position. We have names for all the many phases– full moon, half-moon, quarter moon, crescent moon, new moon, and so on. Even more dramatic are the eclipses– when the world comes between the sun and moon, we get a lunar eclipse– the moon is shadowed because the sunlight cannot reach it– the world gets in the way. And, if the moon comes between the sun and the earth, there is a solar eclipse– the world becomes dark as the moon gets in the way of the sun’s rays. There is a good lesson here to us. If we are to reflect God’s light and character to the world, we cannot afford to let the world block out our light source. Worse, we cannot reflect light to the world when we step in front of our source and block out the Son!

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Third, the moon can be visited– it can be mapped, studied, comprehended. We can look directly at the moon, stare at it, look at it through a telescope, and not go blind. We can send people in rockets to walk on the moon, take samples of its dust and rocks, plant flags on its surface, and even leave trash on its surface. There is still mystery and fascination to be found on the moon, but it doesn’t have the glory and awe of the sun.

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Another interesting observation– there is no moon, nor need for it, in Heaven. There will be a new heaven and a new earth, but there is no mention of a new moon. There will be no seas (no tides), and no night. We will no longer be a reflection of God’s character to a darkened world– instead, we will be living in the actual light of His presence. What an awesome thought!

Obviously, like most analogies, there is no perfect correlation here. These are just some random thoughts and observations, and I’m no scientist or theologian. But, today, as we (hopefully) enjoy some time in the sun, and tonight as we reflect on the moon, I pray that we would get a special glimpse of His glory, and that we may use any opportunities that come our way to reflect it.

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July 20, 2018 0

Prayer in the “Off-Season”

World Cup fever is at a high this week. England was stunned by Croatia in the semi-finals–Croatia will face France in the finals on Sunday. Teams have played hard all season to make it to the World Cup– most of them will go home disappointed (at least a little). Fans will have to wait until next season to see their favorite team make another attempt at winning it all.

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In the meantime, the players will be in the “off-season.” Some will take well-earned vacations, and spend more time with their families. Some will spend time with doctors and physical therapists to work on injuries sustained during the regular season. Some will be working with coaches and trainers to develop in areas where they feel they need extra help. Others will cut back on their training schedule. Still others will spend time with agents trying to get traded to another team (or avoid being traded to another team).

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People who study sports often say that what happens in the “off-season” can be as important to players and teams as what happens during the intense training of the regular season. Habits form, attitudes develop, team chemistry alters– any or all of these factors can change for better or for worse.

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The same is true in our prayer lives. When we are facing struggles or heartaches, we pray with intensity and passion. But when things are going smoothly, sometimes we let our prayer lives “take a break.” We pray with less frequency, less intensity, and less focus. I’m guilty of this; even though I know it can happen, bad habits creep in, and suddenly, my prayer life is haphazard and lackluster. Using a journal helps, in that I have a focus for each day already written in, and a place to write in new requests, and even answers.

However, a major part of staying on course is to commit to the discipline of prayer. “Discipline” sounds boring and constrained–something I do out of obligation and not out of love. But that’s not true of all discipline. Athletes are disciplined– because they love their sport, and they want to develop and play at the best of their ability. Musicians are disciplined– because they love music, and they want to develop their art. Professional athletes and musicians often have a contractual commitment to stay in practice and develop their talents. When athletes are part of a team, or musicians are part of a band, orchestra, or chamber group, they have an additional reason to be disciplined– to play more effectively with others.

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In my personal life, there are disciplines– hygiene, sleep habits, diet, and exercise, that I practice, not because I love saying, “NO” to that piece of chocolate cake or walking that extra mile, but because I want to stay healthy, clean, and active. Prayer is no different– except that it is for my spiritual health– and it is part of my relationship with God.

Instead of slacking off during the “off-season”, many athletes and musicians will use this time to step back and look at what they have learned, what they would like to do better, and how they can develop their skills. I think this offers a great opportunity in prayer, as well. After a season of grief, struggle, doubt, or testing, it is good to take some time to make some assessments. Sometimes we don’t know all the reasons for the times of testing or trial we have just faced. But that doesn’t mean that we can’t look back and see whether we have grown, or if we need to make some adjustments, or if we have developed new habits or skills (good or bad). It is a good time to “count our blessings”, “pray without ceasing”, “ask, seek, and knock”, and look at the ways God has been faithful (and hopefully ways that we have been faithful!) over the years.

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Some of us are in the struggle of a busy, harsh, or painful season. Let’s not let that struggle go to waste. Some of us will be facing trials next week, or next month–spending time training in the “off-season” will make us stronger for the fight! And the best news– we already know the outcome! Let’s pray harder– pray stronger–and go for the win!

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July 13, 2018 0

Just a Minute…

I stumbled upon a site that promotes a concerted minute of prayer for our nation. In the light of upcoming mid-term elections, recent violent outbreaks in some of our cities, and other urgent issues, there are movements afoot to unite American Christians in our prayer efforts.

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National Minute of Prayer Home

The National Minute of Prayer is based on an effort carried out in England during World War II. I want to be careful in promoting this idea– I DO NOT believe that God is swayed solely by people praying to Him in large numbers or at certain times– God sees our hearts and knows our minds. He wants hearts that are sincere, humble, and attuned to His will, and He will act, not on our desires, but on His own knowledge of what is truly best for our individual lives, for our nation(s), and for our world.

Still, I think this is a good idea, even though I don’t necessarily agree with all the ideas and aspects of the blog. I don’t believe there is anything magical or super spiritual about any given minute or hour of the day, so if the chosen hour of 9 p.m. (ET/8 p.m.CT, etc.) doesn’t work for you, or you can’t commit to a single minute during the day, just commit to pray for a solid minute at least once each day. I think the value of a project like this is in the commitment and the community–even as individuals search for a closet or a quiet corner to seek God’s face, the knowledge that others are doing the same adds to our commitment and our courage.

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There are dozens of websites, blogs, and videos with similar programs and suggestions. Find one and consider following or joining!

And this doesn’t just apply to a particular nation facing a particular time of crisis. Christians living in Australia, Bolivia, Cambodia, Djibouti, Estonia, Fiji, Greenland, Haiti… you get the idea– can set aside one minute every day to pray for their nation and its leaders.

beige analog gauge — Photo by Ylanite Koppens on Pexels.com

Think what it would mean to the heart of God to hear His children praying in unison for healing and justice to be done around the world in our home nations! Think what would happen if we set aside just one more minute to pray for the Church universal!

July 10, 2018 0

Why There Are No Do-Attitudes…

In Jesus’ Sermon On the Mount (Matthew 5-7), Jesus listed what have become known as “The Beatitudes”. Each phrase begins with “Blessed are..” or “Happy are…” (depending on the translation). The blessings are specific, but they are also reserved for those who do not appear to be due for blessings– the poor in spirit, those who mourn, the meek, the persecuted, those who hunger and thirst for righteousness. Each group seems pitiable, not suited for accolades and celebration. They’ve done nothing to deserve blessing. Yet Jesus calls them “Happy” and assigns them amazing gifts and blessings– not for their hard work or achievements, but because of their emptiness; their need and their ability to receive the blessings of God.

city man person people — Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

There are wonderful sermons and analyses and studies on the Beatitudes, but in relation to prayer, I want to look at this aspect. There are no blessings in the list for the doers– the movers and shakers, the revolutionaries and the organizers and life-changers. Throughout the Sermon, Jesus spends more time on attitude than on action–Murder is an action– forbidden by the Ten Commandments– but it is based on attitudes like hatred, disdain, envy, and rage. Clearly, Jesus does not want us to be unproductive or isolated from the needs of others, but our busyness, our stress, our huffing and puffing and scurrying about, does not impress Him, nor does it bring us the kind of happiness only God can offer.

He gives the same emphasis when he discusses prayer– prayer is not about public eloquence or long strings of words or excessive emotional outbursts. In fact, effective prayer has little to do with who is praying, what words or word order or language they use, where they pray, or when they pray. It IS about how and why and TO WHOM they are praying. And the only active verb not assigned to “Our Father” is found in the phrase, “…as we forgive…”

man hugging a woman wearing black tank top — Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

God does not command us to pray seven times a day, or to have a prayer list a mile long, or to pray only when we are in great need. He wants us to “pray without ceasing”, not as a recurring action, but as a constant state of being aware of and responsive to His presence.

I have a niece who has spent several years in dance. When she was a beginner, it was both comical and sad to watch as she and many others agonized and counted the steps out as they performed– often getting all the right steps, but a slight beat ahead of or behind the music and/or the other dancers. But what a delight to see the development of young students into graceful dancers– seeing the transition from just doing the right steps at the (approximate) right time to internalizing and coordinating the music and movement into art.

adult art ballerina ballet — Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

I have friends who are runners, and while I don’t run, I have watched those who do…there is a difference in the stride, the posture, and the face of someone who is “a runner” and someone who is just “running.” It’s not the action, but the attitude that makes the difference.

woman wearing black sports bra and jogger shorts smiling — Photo by nappy on Pexels.com

Prayer is a gift; a privilege; a sacred meditative conversation with our Creator, Our Father, and our King. I don’t want to just pray– I want to BE in Prayer!

July 8, 2018 0

Pursuing Prayer