Prayerless to powerless

Let this be a reminder for the new year.... More prayer and power walking with Jesus in 2015! 

Prayer: becoming actively aware

Prayer... Is simply a form of waking up out of the dull sleep in which our life has been spent in half-intentions, half-resolutions, half-creations, half-loyalties, and become actively aware of the real character of that which we are and of that which we are over against. It is an opening of drowsy lids. It is a shaking off of grave-clothes. It is a dip into acid. It is a daring to "read the text of the universe in the original." -Douglas Steere 

Picking up the mirror

I was asking the Lord what was on His heart for my fellowship yesterday morning. What I heard was “oneness, unity” and “Let love abound more and more.”

So I prayed for this, waiting to hear confirmation in other people’s prayers or songs or sermon. I ended up being in nursery and helping with coffee, so I missed the prayer time and the sermon and didn’t hear other words of confirmation. Later, someone asked me about an issue that we’ve been talking about for months and is still undecided. I want to be understanding of where they are coming from. But I still don’t see a clear or easy way forward- and the concerns are so circular- “you can move forward, but…” I am just ready to drop it, because I am at this yellow light. Give me a red or a green, but don’t keep me waiting at the yellow light! Please!

Then I was praying this morning, after complaining to my roommate last night about this situation. And the Lord reminded me of my prayer for unity. Then the light bulb goes on…  (thank you, merciful, Lord, patient with those slow of understanding).“Oh, maybe He gave me that Word because I was going to encounter a situation where I needed to let love abound, and myself repent of attitudes and divisive actions that disturb unity. Maybe I needed to forgive and step toward unity and oneness which I was praying toward.”

How like the Lord to give me a burden/Word, which I think is for someone else, and then it’s for me!

Well Hallelujah! I am the messy one, full of brokenness, and yes I need Him! Oh Lord, please forgive me for my frustration and bad attitude and complaining. Please forgive me and free me by Jesus’ blood. Thank you! I rejoice that this situation is happening, and that you are working, and that you are teaching me. You are not distant, but you are hands-on, working, directing, and teaching. Thank you so much. Amen.