“Our Father who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name…” (Matthew 6:9KJV) Quiet recitation of the Lord’s Prayer
filled the wide tiled hallways of the brick elementary school every morning. Perhaps
the walls still resonate with the prayer and scripture readings that were part
of the morning routine, now forbidden in the public schools of the Prairies and
beyond. But this discipline of prayer by rote set a foundation for many,
including myself. It was not just a morning task to be checked off but one that
was done with great reverence and respect.
At home, even though we were not
what would be considered a family of faith, prayer was always said before the
evening meal. “For food and friends and all God sends, we give him grateful
thanks. Amen.”
As the journey of faith continued
and belief transformed into relationship, prayer changed. Memorized meditations morphed into heart
bared, gut wrenching, earnest pleas then shifted again to raised hands, head
bowed worship and then again to stillness of soul, listening for the voice of
the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Learning, always learning. Learning still.
Prayer now a passion and a lifeline never to be severed.
Answers came in unexpected,
sometimes shocking ways – a humbling experience from the throne room of an all
wise, almighty God.
With prayer came privilege. The wonderful
privilege of praying for others. My heart burdened for people as the Spirit
lead. Why God would allow us to join Him to accomplish His purposes in this way
is a mystery. He doesn’t need us. To say it is amazingly awesome is an
understatement.
Then came commitment. Committing every
action of every day to Him. Every word on a page, every word spoken, all the
works of my hands bathed in a prayer of commitment to God. A huge learning
curve as flesh battles spirit for ownership to which neither is entitled. It is
ultimately and always His.
Prayer.
Approaching “God’s throne of grace with confidence so that we may receive mercy
and find grace to help us in our time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16 NIV) As Joseph M
Scriven wrote in ‘What a Friend We Have in Jesus,’ “What a privilege to carry,
everything to God in prayer!”
Dear Sharon, I love that you tapped into the mystery of why we're invited to pray for others.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you words wholeheartedly. God doesn't need us but we're blessed to be part of the sowing of fruit for His Kingdom.
Yes to these words of yours:"Why God would allow us to join Him to accomplish His purposes in this way is a mystery. He doesn’t need us. To say it is amazingly awesome is an understatement."
Blessings on your weekend,
Wendy Mac 🕊️
Thank you, Wendy. Hope you have had a blessed weekend as well.
DeleteThank you for this post Sharon. It reminds us of the impact and priviledge of prayer. So important!
ReplyDeleteMany thanks, Tracy.
DeleteIt truly is an astonishing privilege to speak to God and have Christ as our brother. How I wish more people who call themselves Christians would understand the awesome offer the Lord makes that we can come into his throne room with boldness. It's also sad that some say what's called The Lord's Prayer as if saying it makes them better people. Preachers ought to teach on each component of what Christ taught the disciples to pray.Even the first two words are mind-blowing.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your thought provoking comments, Bruce.
DeleteThanks Sharon!
ReplyDeleteI too am learning what you speak about in this paragraph: "Committing every action of every day to Him. Every word on a page, every word spoken, all the works of my hands bathed in a prayer of commitment to God. A huge learning curve as flesh battles spirit for ownership to which neither is entitled. It is ultimately and always His." It's humbling and empowering to look at life this way!
Thank you, Ruth. I think it is a grand thing to always be learning.
ReplyDeleteLovely meditation, Sharon! I, too, am learning what Ruth Snyder commented on: to commit every action of every day to God.
ReplyDeleteThanks. I am thinking it will be a lifelong lesson for me, Sandi.
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