Day 25

Today was a day of switching things up a bit in prayer.  I knew my schedule wasn't going to be normal, and so I wanted to take advantage of that.  So, I was intentional about two different prayer times today.  First, I went for a 20 mile bike ride in the morning.  Plenty of time to talk with God and listen.  Then that night I had a meeting in Marion, so I made sure that the radio didn't come on and embraced the silence.

What did I learn?  I can really lay it all out there in prayer as I ride.  No one around, so it is a very out loud verbal prayer as I don't forget to check for traffic around me.  My prayers in my ride were centered on prayer request from the church, prayers for family and friends, and just humbling acknowledging who I am sharing these thoughts with.  It was good, it was real, I liked that time of connection with God.   Listening was good as well.  I felt like God was giving me some direction in my heart and mind as I shared with Him my heart for a great church I get to be a part of.

The evening ride was a good time as well.  Do you ever find yourself singing in the midst of your prayers?  I'm not saying it sounds pretty, but the car is a great place for me to make a joyful noise as I just worship God in song and prayer.  My prayers at night were definitely more of God working on me.  Alot of listening.  When I listen I find myself asking God to give me clarity on my thoughts that I believe the Holy Spirit is speaking into my mind.  I tend to want to match up the thought with scripture and make sure it isn't just me creating the thoughts.  So as I trust Him in leading me, I in my humanness will still ask questions and wrestle with thoughts to make sure it is from God and not myself.  part of that journey of dying out to self and not settling with where I am right now, but wanting to continue to be shaped and continuing to grow.

How about you?  What unique prayer times of silence and solitude have worked for you?  Leave a comment below and let us know.


Keith