Sometimes I have to
be reminded there is no
place too hard for grace.
Sometimes I have to be reminded how loved we are.
Sometimes that’s hard.
With all the contrary words and messages, I have to remember to look in before I look out.
Looking in is a form of prayer, waiting, worship, listening, watching, repenting, believing.
Sometimes I think I can’t pray at all. But I know I talk to God a lot. And I listen. In the quiet of my familiar room where I have spoken the name of Christ, I listen.
I think it’s only prayer that will turn things around. Well, and love.
It’s no secret that I love to write, most of the time. Except when I try too hard.
Writing has become a form of prayer for me, except when I try too hard.
Writing has become a form of worship too, most of the time. It’s hard to try too hard at worship. Either you do or you don’t. God knows the heart.
My husband often says I try too hard. It’s not a great quality. I’m aware of that. It can make people uncomfortable when you’re trying to make them comfortable.
Prayer and worship are relatives though, don’t you think? If you worship, you are praying when you aren’t even aware of it.
One day we may realize that our lives have become one big prayer and everything we do is one big form of worship. That would be a happy day.
I’m aware prayer and worship mean a lot of different things to different people. It’s good not to compare oneself to others on either count, just as it’s good not to compare oneself to others period. I’m still working on that. I’m too old for that. Comparing oneself distracts oneself faster than chocolate.
The concrete, specific, expectant, hope-filled prayers—your own and others—will always fill you with light.
I think of my dad designing buildings made of concrete. He was drawn to concrete. His thoughts and ideas were concrete. His faith was concrete.
My mom on the other hand was all light, even in sickness and sorrow. She had a way of bringing light into relationships even when there was hurt and misunderstanding.
She brought light into her home, into others’ lives, into the places she prayed and worked and worshipped, even when her home meant a tent, and work meant disagreement.
They were both big prayers and worshippers. I think their lives did become one big prayer for others and form of worship. It was their concrete faith that brought that light. But it didn’t happen overnight!
Watching them age and caring for them, and ultimately losing them grew my faith more than anything else I’d ever experienced. My hopeless always turned to hope-filled.
If we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another. 1 John 1:7. Fellowship: camaraderie, friendship, mutual support, respect, liking. We have love and love changes everything, well, and prayer.
Solitude is the most important time. Jesus listens to us explain things and He knows before we ask but He wants us to ask Him. Then it is very important to be still could be ten seconds or ten minutes it doesn’t take Him long to reply. Open the Word anywhere and read one verse that answers our request.Jesus is very faithfull and trusting. Might be good to ask forgiveness if there is a sin lingering. He forgives us. Then go back to His Word. Sometimes I sit in solitude for one hour trusting in obedience.Sometimes more.
Amen. And I love your choice of accompanying photos. 🌷
I most certainly agree that prayer and worship are close relatives! Prayer is more than requesting help for people and situations. Prayer is a way for us to align our hearts with God’s heart. Oswald Chambers, in My Utmost for His Highest, wrote: “The idea of prayer is not in order to get answers from God; prayer is perfect and complete oneness with God” (p. 219). Isn’t that good? And isn’t that what genuine, heartfelt worship does for us? I believe so.
I so enjoyed reading your post, I relate to your thoughts about prayer and worship. My mother was also a very spiritual woman who brought the light wherever she went. I also found their aging a growing experience 🤗🙏💐
I understand, more in my heart than my head, the conjoining prayer and worship. The pull of the yoke, swaying ahead and behind. But not enough to explain it. Well illustrated by your parents.
Nancy, Yes, that is good. “Complete oneness with God.” And I agree that’s what “genuine heartfelt worship does for us.” Chambers always challenges me to go deeper or to see things in a new light. I’ve been reading the Devotional for many years. It’s a treasure. ♥️ Did you know his wife pulled the book together from his sermons? That’s what I was told and I’m so grateful!
Thank you! I’m glad you like them. It’s amazing to me how I’ll feel the message for a post stirring and how the accompanying scenes for a photo come to affirm it. Or Vice versa. It’s a beautiful dance.💕🙆🏻
Wonderful post, as usual. If God is Love (and He is), then prayer is a conversation with Love.
I love this, John. You know the way. ❤️
Morag, I can tell the similarities from your beautiful prose. It’s such a delight to read and share. I do hope our mothers are enjoying tea and talks together and that one day it will be all four of us! ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Gary, there is evidence of prayer and worship in all the words you write. Of this I am certain. Oh, and also humility! The perfect trio! 😄
Jon, Yes! The very best! I love your conversations with God. That is prayer at it’s best.
Wouldn’t that be lovely! 😍😍
I’ve had my copy of “My Utmost” for decades, and never knew that! Thank you for sharing!
You bet (and sorry for my typos :/) .
Some awesome photos, too, in case nobody mentioned it!
Thank you, Jason! 😊 It’s so nice to connect! 🙋🏻
nice