Does this thing work?

(This is an excerpt from my journaling today).

Testing...testing...does this thing work? This pen? How about prayer? Neither have been used in a long time. Why?

The pen, well, it sits in an out-of-the-way place and I don't look at it much, despite the fact that it's a great tool and works wonderfully - as seen here!

Prayer is much the same. It's tucked away deep in my soul and I forget about it. Even though it's an amazing tool and...wait, does prayer work?

I guess it depends on your definition of prayer and of "work".

Does praying for everything I want lead to getting all of it? If that's your definition, then NO, prayer doesn't work - not like that!

Does prayer always give an immediate answer? NOPE.
Do you always see an answer to every prayer? NO - even the ones that line up with scripture and what you think are His desires.

PRAYER DOESN'T WORK LIKE THAT.

BUT, if your definition of how prayers works includes being drawn into a closer relationship with the Almighty, then YES, prayer works.

If your definition includes being completely honest and open with the Heavenly Father, knowing He will listen and love - YES, prayer works.

If prayer is a tool that helps you love the unlovable (as you pray for them only in God's strength) - YES, prayer works!!!

If your definition includes a time to just be still and listen to the Lord of Lords and King of kings - knowing that His ways are higher - YES, prayer works!

If prayer is a kick-start to your day in the morning and a thankful conclusion in the evening, and scattered "praying always" prayers throughout the day, then YES, prayer works.

AND, if prayer is defined as a time to realign who you are with who God wants you to be, then YES, PRAYER WORKS LIKE THAT!

O Father in heaven, Your Name is Holy!

You are the Everlasting and yet, 

you listen to me...

you invite me into your presence.

Lord, help me to remember what this time is for;

it's not about me.

It's about YOU and Your kingdom and Your will.

I pray for enough grace to get me through today.

Give me what You want me to use today.

Show me Your Will for today.

Father, forgive me for my disobedience,

for my unbelief,

for my lack of faith and trust in You, my God.

Savior, Redeemer, Lord,

everything is for Your Glory.

Amen.

Francine Rivers Contest! :)

Check it out!

Francine Rivers Complete Library Giveaway~!

I would love to win a bunch of books!

New Design!

I was feeling creative tonight, so I hope you enjoy the new design!

If you don't know the story behind the song, "It is well," click here. This is the inspiration for my new theme!

When you pass through the waters,
I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
you will not be burned;
the flames will not set you ablaze.
                                 ~Isaiah 43:2

INTENTIONAL

Tonight's Bible study was focused on Matthew 6:1-15, and the word "intentional" kept creeping into the conversation. We should be intentional about giving to the needy, intentional about prayer, intentional about forgiveness.

It's so true. How much gets done on a non-intentional basis? Sure, there are those spur-of-the-moment things that just happen. (But even then, isn't God still being intentional???)

So, I think that this intentionality goes perfectly with my Simple Obedience series. And it ties into one particular area of simple obedience that I still struggle with every day: PRAYER.

Prayer should be intentional. And we should pray for intentionality in our actions! Psalm 5:3 was also shared tonight:

In the morning, O Lord, you hear my voice;

in the morning I lay my requests before you

and wait in expectation.

We should intentionally lay our requests before God and intentionally expect Him to answer. Ask and you shall receive.

When did David pray? IN THE MORNING. A fitting start to the day, right? If we start with intentional prayer, the rest of our day is intentionally focused on our intentional Lord.

I am continually amazed at the strength that comes from prayer -

intentionally seeking God

intentionally spending time in the stillness

intentionally listening for His voice

How can I be more intentional? O, let me count the ways...



Wednesday Wonders...

I wonder...

What qualities/skills/characteristics are most important to you for the Senior Pastor at a church?

This wonder is brought to you by the recent resignation of the Senior Pastor at my own church

and the forthcoming search for a new Pastor.

Thoughts, please!?