There are a heck of a lot of people in pain, in need, in despair these days. Can I get an amen?
That means a heck of a lot of prayer concerns.
If you’re like me, that can result in almost mantra-like repetition of “Please heal…Please guide…Please provide…Please bring…” The focus ends up being on the concern rather than on the character of the God we are talking to.
Kind of like when you’re in a conversation with someone and realize you’re focused more on what YOU want to say than on them.
So, I’m trying something a little different lately. I’m picturing holding the person or the situation before the Lord and then meditating on the attributes that He brings to bear on the situation.
I hold my brother David before the Lord and picture Jesus healing the blind and lame. I picture His power, creating the seas and stars. I envision His gentle compassion with Mary and Martha.
Come Lord Jesus
I hold my sister-in-law Susan before the Lord and picture Jesus calling the children to come to Him. I see God giving Elijah a snack and a nap when he was exhausted. I remember Him reassuring King David that He was with him in the valley.
Come Lord Jesus.
I think of Abdigani, a new friend and new to Christian faith, and as I pray for his grounding and his family who don’t yet know Jesus, I picture God sending Philip to the Ethiopian eunuch, and Jesus walking alongside the disciples on the road to Emmaus.
Come Lord Jesus.
As she prepares to speak to Young Life kids, I hold my friend Sue before the Lord and picture Him giving the prophets words to speak, picture the power of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, and the courage He gave Peter and Paul.
Come Lord Jesus.
“In this godless world you will continue to experience difficulties. But take heart! I’ve conquered the world.” John 16:33
This is the God who hears our prayers.
What if the focus of our prayer was not on OUR WORDS, but on GOD who listens and answers?
I read your blog faithfully, Laura. I am so encouraged by your perspective. Many times I have wanted to email you directly but don’t have that address. Thank you for this. May I repost it? I maintain two websites: collegeprayingmoms.com and mcleanwomenscbs.com. The latter I try hard to use writings by women from our group but the former is wide open! Every once in a while I am forced to write–not my gift–but God is faithful and supplies inspiration. Here are two: http://collegeprayingmoms.com/2015/04/03/a-heavenly-celebration/
http://mcleanwomenscbs.com/2015/03/11/nevertheless/
Let me know. I will copy all text, images and add your link.
Thank you so much for your kind words and encouragement Kathy! Of course you can repost anywhere. I’m thrilled if God can use posts anywhere anytime! I’m glad you put the other site addresses so readers here can check them out too!