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
Thanks for your openness, Keith. I've been working to find a regular time. I'm one of those that isn't a morning person so I'm looking at right after work when I get home. Also looking for a prayer journal app for my iPad for keeping prayer requests in front of me . I'm pretty visual so like having something in front of me. This is not an easy task for me. Praying that God will help me to want to seek him more. Trying to practice the presence of Jesus throughout my day.
ReplyDeleteMany times the Lord hears this from me: "Lord help me!" And sometimes I will then follow it up with, "Lord, you must get so tired of hearing that from me!" And then I remember that He cares. He cares deeply about the fact that I (along with Joey) am raising these beautiful girls. Even though I feel lost in the shuffle at times, God NEVER forgets about me or "loses" me.
ReplyDeleteWith that said, I was able to spend some dedicated time in prayer early this morning lifting up the day. I also had some time in the car with Him on my way to Zumba.
I am so very thankful to have a Father who loves so deeply and cares about even the smallest detail. Praise be to His name!
I too have struggled with emotions these past two days and have lacked focus in prayer. The death of a college classmate with a heart attack at age 39. I'm 39 as well scary to think alive one minute and gone the next. Also struggled with the anxiety and stress of making decisions that will effect other people's lives. As I walked the dog tonight I was able to clear my mind and begin to rely on God's strength and not mine own.
ReplyDeleteI tend to find myself wrestling with God a lot these days. I feel this is Him stirring my heart and sharing his love. It's funny how the whole world can disappear during this time. I think that the more I can get my immediate emotions out of the way, the more passionate and intimately I can pray, and truly give Him my heart. I am so thankful that He waits, and is willing to listen for as long as it takes for me to truly share my heart.
ReplyDeleteI've had some neat moments with god since the challenge started. Had a friend text me and specifically ask for prayer! Picked up the phone and prayed for another friend before a big event in her life!! Saw a medical need on Facebook for a friend and was able to be an encourager & prayer warrior through FB. And other quiet moments just walking, listening, and praying. I've felt his presence and power in my life just being more aware of the needs around me!
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