On Prayer
I think it is easy to say: “I will pray for you.”
But it is harder to actually do so. And when we pray who are we praying to? Are we saying comforting words for the person standing next to us or are we asking the God of heaven to move?
I love to pray. I don’t say this in a boastful way, it is just the way I am wired, I suppose. As I look back over my life I can see that I have always wished, hoped, and wanted God to move in miraculous ways. The Bible tells of many stories when Jesus performed miracles. I think of the verse where Jesus tells his disciples they would do even greater things.
“I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works because I am going to be with the Father.”
It’s hard to believe that anyone could see the power of God in a greater way than when Jesus walked the earth, but I have been in revival meetings that were so strong a thousand people in one room felt the power of God at the same time. That is nothing compared to other reports. To state it simply: God is still moving today.
As a young believer, my dream was to be a part of a move of God. I wanted to bring the fire of revival with me everywhere I went, but such a dream is not something I could make happen on my own. On the path to following God, I have gotten a little journey weary at times, but with God’s help, I am still standing.
I am still standing because of His grace.
Now, in my forties, I have served in ministry for a while. One of the greatest lessons I have learned repeatedly is to choose to walk in forgiveness toward others. The harder challenge is to forgive Me. Truthfully I have tried hard to be enough for others and for myself, but alas I have fallen short.
Me: (Sad little laugh)
The biggest truth I hold close to my heart is this sweet name of God, El Shaddai: God Almighty, The Overpowerer, The All sufficient one. He is more than enough for my every need. Such knowledge leads me to my knees in worship. Such knowledge leads me to my knees in prayer.
Surely such a marvelous God can still move today.
Yes, Lord I still believe.
Today I bowed on my knees in the early morning light. I waited, my face on the carpet of my living room floor. In the silence, I became aware of my own breath and the faint smell of once new carpet now old. Fresh tears dampened my cheeks as I began to spill the struggle.
Lately, I have felt a lack of care for myself. The constant focus of bringing my children through the adolescent years has taken a toll, but now I feel a little lost in the quietness of the house as two are gone and the third is heading out the door. I find my gray hair is getting grayer and my waistline… Who cares about a waistline when there is cheesecake to chase away the blues?
But in the stillness, I realized once again what I really needed…
Time with God
To be put back together again. It is here, on my knees I know I still believe.
I sat up, knowing the whole day was ahead of me. Immediately I was hit with worries and concerns. If only I could continue to sit there in the early morning quiet but life was calling…
“Oh Lord,” I cried, “help my heart to care.”
Life has so many things to care about my body soon grows weary. But as I lean into the lesson I just learned on my knees I pause to remind myself.
I am not alone.
God is still moving.
He can do a miracle in my life, through my life…
He is more than enough.
This is where I am today, breathing in this truth. Sitting in the stillness of prayer. I want to truly care for others and myself, but I can’t do it without God.
In turn, I take this moment to speak the name of Jesus over you too, Friend. I pray for you to feel the strength to stand, so don't give up weary traveler! Your life has meaning and purpose. Your heart was created to love and be loved, but without God, we grow exhausted. No matter where you are right now, you can draw close to God. He is never too far from where you are. And I believe He is still moving today.