A Call to Prayer

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. (1 Thes 5:16-18)

I’ve been thinking about the importance of prayer. Shannon calls me a “prayer warrior” because when I am asked to pray I will usually stop what I am doing and send one up. But I confess, I do not deserve such a title. A true prayer warrior would “pray without ceasing.” For example, my sister is a marathon runner. The qualities necessary for that feat, I believe, are parallel to the qualities of a true and faithful warrior—discipline, practice, focus, perseverance, endurance, commitment and strength. I am more of a sprinter—out of the gate like a shot but losing steam over time. Kelly will still be praying for you a month from now; whereas, if I don’t see or talk to you often enough to keep it in the forefront of my mind, I will pray for you when I remember again. Of course I know our Heavenly Father does not actually need me in order to answer a prayer but I also know that praying for others is about obedience to Him and, too, it takes our minds off ourselves for a while (always a good thing). If we are honest, we will admit that too much of our time is spent lamenting our own personal misfortunes.

Evening and morning and at noon I utter my complaint and moan, and he hears my voice. (Ps 55:17)

Being a highly organized and generally disciplined individual, I find this segment of my life utterly unacceptable and I often pray that God will rectify this flaw in my character. Until then, this is the challenge I would like to put forth—for myself and for anyone else who could use some discipline in this area.

I propose a prayer challenge in three parts. All you need is paper, a pen and 5 minutes. For technology geeks, you can even do this as a word document so you can easily update it. The list is fluid, add whatever you can think of now and leave room for adding other items later as they come to mind.

For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayer. (1 Pe 3:12)

Part one is the easiest. List—specifically—every single thing you pray for regarding your own personal circumstances, needs and desires. These are the things you pray for automatically—health, family, finances, salvation for a loved one, et cetera.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Phil 4:6-7)

Part two, try to list every (unresolved) prayer that you have been asked to pray for--or volunteered to pray for--by someone else. This is the one that wakes me up at night when I suddenly remember that I neglected someone during an earlier prayer.

The hardest one for all of us will be part three. It requires the most obedience. Think of instances in which you’ve been hurt or angered, complained about or raged against something or someone. For example, part three of my list includes abusers—animal, child, spousal, or elderly. I rage against them, plot punishments for them, but I only ever pray for the abused; also, politicians, judges and world leaders are often recipients of my disdain and ire. My blood boils when they are idiotic, destructive or unjust.

But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons and daughters of your Father who is in heaven. (Mat 5:44)

You can choose to recite each item individually or put the list in an envelope and pray over your requests collectively. If you like, mark each item when a prayer is answered. Remember, you are never so high as when you are on your knees. I hope you will join me.

Heavenly Father, I pray you will turn me into a true prayer warrior. Shield my mind from distraction and my heart from complacence. Give me the discipline to pray as fervently for others as I do for myself. Teach me to bow my head instead of raise my fist. Help me desire redemption not condemnation for the enemies of your kingdom. In Christ’s name I pray, amen.

Elements

Mind
…extraordinary

Beauty
…ethereal

Heart
…tender

Soul
…yearning

Spirit

…gentle

Same Difference

So very different
And yet,
Symbiotic

One light, one dark
One willowy, one zaftig
One tardy, one prompt

Poetry, logic
Warmth, cool

Both loyal,
Kindred spirits,
Shared truths

No words,
Just understanding
No distance,
Only trust

The Master Gardener

"I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. (John 15:1-2)

My mother loves spring. She rushes home from work to spend time in her yard--digging, planting, weeding—delighting in the first blooms of her lovingly nurtured flowers. Thinking of her, I was struck with how God does the same thing in our lives. I began reflecting on the seeds God has planted in my own life.

Though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds come and perch in its branches. (Matthew 13:32)

“…With beautiful leaves and abundant fruit, providing food for all, giving shelter to the wild animals, and having nesting places in its branches for the birds—“ (Daniel 4:21)

In the spring of 2002, God changed my life forever. I was introduced to Shannon Morley (not yet Ragland) who would be the catalyst for my rededication to Christ and become the most precious, intimate friend I have ever had. Shannon invited me to a little Bible church and the first seed was planted. In soil rich with loving, devoted congregants, I became hungry for the fertilizer of God’s Word.

The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail. (Isaiah 58:11)

Gently, God began tilling the rocks and weeds that were withering my spirit and stunting my growth. Repairing damage, strengthening my “root system” with the chlorophyll of his Spirit. He replaced the rocks of distance and reserve with openness and invitation; the choking weeds of sarcasm and criticism with the nutrients of grace and love.

It had been planted in good soil by abundant water so that it would produce branches, bear fruit and become a splendid vine. (Ezekiel 17:8)

That tiny seed germinated, producing a thriving plant, rife with the warmth of friendship; the comfort and security of close familial bonds, and the ability to see others through God’s eyes, delighting in their inner beauty, uniqueness, strength and character.

For you, God, tested us; you refined us like silver. (Psalm 66:10)

Our Father is faithful, refining us with the divine tools of righteous living:

*The spade of his hands reaches down and scoops us up from the barren soil of our lives,
*The water of his Word quenches our parched souls,
*The sunlight of his love shines like a beacon in the surrounding darkness,
*The fertilizer of his strong embrace nourishes our resolve in this desolate, lost world.


Truly, my beloved Heavenly Father,
You ARE the master gardener. Creator of all things, sower of the seeds of good will, cultivator of divine character. I pray you remove the thorns from my life, mature me into a beautiful reflection of who you are, gently smooth the rough edges like river water over a pebble; create in me a bountiful harvest, overflowing with fruit and goodness so that others may see and know the gift of a life spent with you. May it be a blessing to you, watching me grow. In your precious son Jesus’ name, amen.