Day 9

Some days are a little crazy or busy.  The best ones like that are the ones where at least I know it is coming.  Today was one of those days.  Meetings, hospital visits,  FAM JAM Prep, and a few surprises.  So when you know it is going to be a busy day, you have to think through how and when prayer can happen.

My day began early in the midst of a thunderstorm you either heard, slept through, or it never rained where you are.  Usually I am a person who listens to the radio when I am in the car alone.  But that seek button is like a grown man holding a TV remote.  I don't stay anywhere really long.  In the randomness of switching through the channels I give anything a chance.  Country, talk, christian, 80's, classical, like I said...anything.

But today was a day I knew I needed to keep the radio off and spend time talking to Jesus.  I was driving up to the north side of Fort Wayne to pray with someone before they went in for surgery.  That trip can take a good 35 minutes one way, so it was 35 minutes of me and Jesus talking with the soothing rhythm of rain and occasional flashes of lightening.  Then 35 minutes on the way back following the edge of the storm home.  Don't worry, my eyes were open the whole way.

I felt such a peace as I talked and listened today.  No distractions, no wandering thoughts, just silence, peace, and some amazing comfort in who I am in Christ.

Later in my day I found conversations with others, drawing me again to prayer.  Part of the "pray continually" concept we talked about. Not the longest of prayers, but prayer that is offered for others as they share something with me, or God brings someone or something to mind.

Some of you are great prayer intercessors.  Intercessors are those who are drawn to consistently be praying for others.  interceding on someone else's behalf, faithfully and with great passion.  I have a quick question for those who are prayer warriors such as these; how do you decide who to pray for and how often do you find yourself interceding in prayer for others?

Remember to respond and to be a part of the conversation, you simply need to click below where you see the word, "comment" or "no comments".   If you have a gmail account or one of the methods listed, it will post that way.  You can also post anonymously.  Your post may take a few hours to be displayed. 

Keith

Day 8

Back in Huntington this week.  Ready to get back in my prayer rhythm that I am used to and can't wait to see what God is going to do.  Today, was a day of going outside the church doors to the church property.  As I walk around the edge of the land, I find such ease in talking to God.  Took alot of time to just thank him for his love and grace.  Prayed for this upcoming week and asked for wisdom as I deal with different situations, compassion with all I encounter, and just asked to continue to be taught to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit.

Listening was hard today.  I tried, but found my mind getting distracted by things I knew needed to get done this week.  Do you ever have those moments when the schedule overpowers your listening?  I hate it when it happens, but I am grateful to know it isn't always that way.  Hoping tomorrow is a better day of listening.

Keith

Day 7

So, how what does a preacher's prayer life look like on a Sunday?  Great question.  I can't answer for everyone, but I can tell you about my journey.  I try to get the church early in the morning before most are here.  After doing a quick walk through and double checking my teaching slides, I tend to find one of my places in the church to go pray.  I guess they are like my prayer closets, but none happen to be a closet.  I do have several different places where I know I can get away and find solitude and silence for a few moments. 

My prayer this Sunday wasn't much different from any other Sunday.  I spend time asking God to help me focus on Him.  I ask often for my heart, mind, and lips to be in tune with the Holy Spirit. 
I pray for the service and Sunday school hour.  That God would be honored and people would be challenged in their walk.  I pray for those who may be frustrated with me, that God would bless them and that today their frustrations wouldn't become an obstacle to what God is doing in their lives.  Then during the service, I take to heart the idea of praying continually.  I often find myself during the worship through music in a moment of prayer.  I'm sure sometimes I look a little awkward praying away as everyone else is singing their praise, but during the service is a time that I pray for the gathering of us all.  I also find in those times a deep desire to praise God for who He is in my life.  Or I should say for who I am becoming in Him. 

When we have Sunday night service (1st, 3rd, & 5th week of a month), I enjoy the time of prayer that we have.  Especially when it is not led by anyone but just believers stopping everything they do to be in silence and prayer together.

Sunday night before drifting off to sleep is usually a short time of prayer for me.  Time to reflect on the day, time to thank God for what He has done, and ask Him to help us get through another week.


Keith

Day 6

Today was good.  I found some time to get away and walk and talk with Jesus.  Time of praise, praying for tomorrow (Sunday), and asking God what else I should pray for.  I felt like he brought to my mind some friends and family.  Prayers for those who I know don't know Jesus...yet. 

I struggled to listen today.  I tried, I really did, but couldn't clear my mind enough of other thoughts.  Worries, concerns, dreams, plans...all seemed to flood my mind when I wanted to just be still and listen. 

But I guess I should be thankful that he brought people to my mind. 

Ashlyn Update:  She is doing awesome.  Still not out of the woods, but the second MRI revealed that they did get all the tumor and will not need to go back in.  Parents are talking about how she is being a trooper through all this.  Please keep praying for Ashlyn and her parents Cory and Tiffany.

Also remember to be praying for Peter's friends family.  Death is never easy to deal with but especially painful when it comes out of nowhere.  (See Day 3 comments for more information).

What has God been bringing to your mind when you are praying?  Why not let us know by clicking on the "comment" button below.  You can choose to identify yourself if you have a GMail account or you can just choose anonymous.  All comments will not appear immediately, but do get posted.

Keith

Day 5

Well, today is definitely not the day of prayer I was hoping for.  Chaos entered my day, waking up late, busy morning, afternoon, and then being tired seems to be as much a deterrent to prayer as others things in my life.  So, if I am going to be real on this 30 day journey, I have to tell you today wasn't a banner day. 

Grace. 

Grace is real you know.  Even in your prayer life.  Remember this isn't about a legalistic mindset as we go on this journey, its about pursuing intimacy with Jesus.  So if you are off to a rough start on the 30 day challenge, or the description of my day relates to yours, don't beat yourself up.  Remind yourself this is about seeking God with all your heart.   

Don't give up, God hasn't given up on you. 

Update on Ashlyn:  Ashlyn came through surgery well.  They have removed the tumor and initial reports are saying that it is benign.  The official reports will not come for about 5 days.  We are praising Jesus for that, but please continue to pray.  The journey isn't over yet.  (For more information about Ashlyn see the Day 4 posting).


Keith

Day 4

Yes, this is getting posted a day late.  Yesterday ended up being a non-friendly wireless connection day and other technical difficulties led to a delay.  So, I  am hoping to post again today regarding Day 5.

Do you have those times where something happens that consumes your prayer time?  That has happened for me today.  During the day we got a text letting us know a friend's daughter would be heading to Riley Hospital for some emergency medical care.  There were indications of a brain tumor and of course that leads to a question of cancer.  She is 4.  My heart was breaking as I would pray.  I spent some time talking to God about the things I always bring to Him, but my mind kept going back to this little girl. 

Part of the story that makes it tough is that her dad is my friend Cory.  Cory is one of my canyon brothers that you hear me talk about.  He and some of those guys came and surprised me for my birthday last year.  It was amazing to see him sitting in our church because of his own journey.  Just months after walking in the Paria canyon with me, Cory was diagnosed with a brain tumor as well.  The cancer spread not only in his brain, but to his spine.  God was faithful, Cory was resilient, and his loving wife was as strong as she could be.  The cancer gone.  Life, though different, could go on, but now I find myself praying for his little girl.

In these times we ask God...why?  I have to remind myself that God can handle that question.  He can handle any and all emotions we throw at him.  I also remind myself that scripture tells us it rains on the just and unjust and I can accept that but would still like for God to intervene.  So I pray.  These are the prayers that we talked about on Sunday.  Prayer where we really realize that I don't know how to pray or the words to pray, but the Holy Spirit does.  So, I trust in his intercession for my heart.  I trust that God is hearing a prayer that is in alignment with His will and one of great faith. 

So, if you would pray for Ashlyn.  By the time you read this she will be in the midst of an 8.5 hour surgery.  Pray for her parents, Cory and Tiffany.  I can't imagine what they are feeling right now.  Pray for the doctors to have wisdom and that God's presence will be very present in that room.

Thanks for joining with countless many praying for Ashlyn.

Keith

Day 3

A very interesting day today in prayer.  A definite mix of living in "continual prayer" and seeking out times of silence and solitude.

This morning was rough.  Do you ever have those prayer times where you really want to pray, you really want to be focused, but your emotions are like a wall in the way.  It's amazing how feelings of doubt, insecurity, and wounds can make you get more focused on yourself instead of God.  I know I use the verse alot, but I love the thought of capturing my thoughts and making them obedient to Christ  (II Corinthians 10:5)  so that is what I did.  It's not always easy for me, but a fight I am willing to fight.  I remind myself that I am loved by God, a child of God, called by God, and being continually transformed by him.  So in times of emotions dictating my prayer, I try and step back for a moment, think of the bigger picture and lean on Him.

Part of the challenge for me this week in prayer is my location.  I am volunteering at the district children's camp at Shiloh Park.  They ask all of us pastors to help out and volunteer at least once during the summer.  My daughters are going to this camp, so it was an easy decision for me.  Now truth be known, I don't have a glamour job.  I'm not up front, not leading any particular activities, just living out the title...Night Watchman.  Yep.  That's me.  The intimidating guy who makes sure everyone stays where they should and keeps the bad guys out.  The job I used to mock and make jokes about, I am now doing.  It's not too bad.  Different sleep schedule and allows me to help out in other places where needed during the day.  It also gives me some time to get some work done and spend more time in prayer.

If you remember from last Sunday I let everyone know that I tend to "walk and talk" to Jesus.  For whatever reason, my best prayer times are either on a walk or circling around the main floor in the sanctuary.  Today, I decided to get a run in.  Problem was I waited until 3 PM to do so.  When they tell you there is a heat index, they mean it.  So my walk became one of running and walking.  Now I can easily pray as I run and I do often, but to slow down to a walk allowed my mind and heart to focus even more.  It truly was a great and sweaty experience.  I feel like I did a good job of listening to God.  As he brought scriptures back to my mind, I found myself praising Him and humbling celebrating that He loves me.  He loves me.  He has a plan, His call is real, and He isn't done with me yet. 

Prayer has also come full circle today.  Just a little bit ago I got a message from an old friend.  The fear in the message let me know that I needed to turn to the great physician and comforter lifting up my friend.  The confidence I had experienced before was now at work as I trust my God to be involved in the details of my friends life.  My heart still breaks, but I trust Him.  My emotions get disrupted and it isn't even my own life, but I trust Him. 

So what about you?  How is your prayer journey going?  Where have you found yourself finding some silence and solitude with God?  How is the "listening to God" going for you?

Looking forward to your response.  Simply click on the "comment" button below and share.

Keith

Day 2

Typical. Of course what does typical mean for me? I had someone ask me what I pray for often. Easy answer. Always thankful for grace shown to me. Always reflect on how God is changing me. Then I pray for my wife, my kids, other family that God brings to me, prayer request from church, my church, and then I try to listen. Listening may include questions, wrestling with scripture, check my motives and heart. You know...typical. I hope your prayer journey is off to a great start. You are God's masterpiece and He wants to hear from you and speak into your life. See ya tomorrow. Keith

Day 1

So the journey begins. I hope that your first day of prayer has been good. If not...hang in there and don't give up.

Today I found my prayer time to be tough. I struggled to maintain focus and let my mind wander too much. I am not in my normal setting so I am sure that has something to do with that.
My prayers today have been drawn to people I don't know. The family who lost so much in a fire last night, the families of the violence from last weekend, and a person who I know needs love.

I also spent time just praising God for who He is. Sometimes I just jump to request and neglect bringing glory to the one who loves even me. Then, I tried to listen. Didn't necessarily hear or sense any leading but felt peace in being in the presence of Jesus.

That's it. I hope you were not looking for a three point sermon because all I will give is authenticity. As we go on this journey together don't expect the dramatic everytime you pray but have faith and know He is listening and wants us to listen too.

Prayer should find its significance not in the things that happen as a result, but in the deepening intimacy and communion we find with God.

See ya tomorrow.

Keith

The conversation begins...

Is the ambient noise level in your life low enough for you to hear the whisper of God? - Bill Hybels

Welcome to a unique blog set up for the Huntington Church of the Nazarene. This past Sunday Keith challenged us to join him in an experiment. For 30 days He is going to be giving us a very honest look into his prayer life. His challenge was for us to do the same. For 30 days, every person finding time to pray.

For the next 30 days, I am going to be giving you a very real glimpse into my conversations with Jesus. Each day I will be posting about my own prayer experience that day and each day you can participate by commenting and joining the dialogue. Also be looking for some questions to answer and for some guest to share their experiences as well. I'll see you tomorrow.

-Keith

So, let’s join together daily and get real and authentic about this essential of our spiritual journey...prayer.