I walk on medieval cobblestones through the pre-dawn fog that is more reminiscent of London than Lucerne where we are based temporarily. The mountains that ring the city are completely hidden.
Coffee is calling my name as I head towards bridges across the Reuss river. I pass one of my favorite ancient buildings that I have discovered was a brothel in “days of yore.” I take time to pray for all those trapped in sex slavery and our friends who are working tirelessly to free them.
Heavenly Father, bring light to dark places of shame and rejection. May those who are trapped know they are beloved by you. You are the God who sees them and will act on their behalf. “A bruised reed you will not break and a smoldering wick you will not snuff out. In faithfulness You will bring justice.” Lord, for those working on their behalf, “Strengthen the feeble hands, and steady the knees that give way.”
The church bells of the city start to echo back and forth across the water and I pause to lift up all those we know in ministry around the world – worshipping in rented school gyms, and retrofitted reclaimed sanctuaries in Great Britain, with holy hands raised in African mud huts and home churches everywhere.
Holy Spirit anoint and empower them, give them insight, patience, wisdom and compassion. Help them to listen to Your voice above all. Give them soft hearts and thick skin
The early bike “rush hour” has begun …
…and I look for the father and son who pass me every day – Dad on a bike, son on a scooter, side by side. Dad protects, and gives his son a push every once in awhile to keep them together. It makes me think of the role of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
Lord, strengthen our families. Give fathers and mothers grace, energy, and patience sufficient for today. May we have hearts wholly devoted to you. Guard us from temptation and give us discernment as we interact with a culture that often is at odds with the values you would have us live by. May you bless our children, young or old, with unmistakeable glimpses of Your faithfulness and great love for them today.
I wish I could tell you I do this every morning. I don’t!
I get distracted and make “to-do” lists in my head (or have imaginary conversations where I tell off the company that won’t refund me for the skin care cream I sent back).
I share this one morning glimpse in the hopes that maybe we can encourage each other to pay attention to the small promptings of God through our everyday life.
Like believers over the centuries have “prayed the hours”, how might we weave prayer into the ordinary moments of our days? What are the natural sights, sounds, or smells that might be triggers to draw us to the Lord?
I’ve become convinced that the major challenge of spiritual formation is paying attention…walking awake to the movement of God and responding.
What if we let the sight of a homeless man, or the cry of a baby, or the sound of an ambulance siren, or the beauty of a sunrise, draw us to God instead of being “b roll” that we don’t notice?
What’s your experience been? What would you add?
Oh Laura! It was wonderful to stroll along and pray with you this morning. Lord, please give us eyes to see, ears to hear and a heart of courage to do your will.
Thank you! So glad to have you along!!
My heart’s desire is spelled out here, thank you, Laura for this beautiful reminder to have our eyes wide open and hearts open to His leading.
Thank you Sam! We all need to encourage each other and spur each other on, right? Sorry I was so slow to get this up and respond – have been traveling.