Seasons of Prayer

"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which passes all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”  (Philippians 4:6-7)

Seasons of prayer bring seasons of change…

The first time I recall reading this passage was many years ago as a young college freshman. It was a major life event from which I would emerge a very different person. To say that it would create a fair amount of angst is somewhat of an understatement. I sensed the change that would occur but I had no way of understanding or expressing my feelings. There is simply not enough space to adequately describe the life events that led me to that point, but it was one of the most significant transitions I had experienced up to that time. I needed some peace of mind in order to be able to cope with the change. And God was faithful…

Funny how we come to God in prayer only when we experience anxiety about life or when things are tough. Our humanness often conflicts with our ability to walk after the Spirit and pray without ceasing. That’s OK, God understands our weakness, in fact, His strength is made perfect in weakness because of His grace (II Corinthians 12:9).

It is fairly normal that following a season of prayer for a specific need or circumstance in life, that we undergo a season of personal growth and change. We are encouraged to not become anxious but to pray and trust God.

It’s time for us to find our rest in Him – to take a step of faith and trust God to possess the future whatever may it hold!

“Prayer is weakness leaning on omnipotence.” (W. S. Bowd)

The Art of Listening

“Most people do not listen with the intent to understand; they listen with the intent to reply.”

― Stephen R. Covey, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change

I remember reading Covey’s book many years ago. There is not a day where I don’t stop and think “did I really listen today?” I’m still a work-in-progress. If I am not listening to understand, then it’s no wonder the art of communication is absent in some of my human connections. Everyone is talking, but not many are listening. I can demand to be heard, but do I want to truly understand the heart of another person?

So it is in my relationship with God. I wonder what He thinks of my prayer list. It looks really selfish sometimes; it’s all about me and my wants, needs, desires, plans, hopes, dreams, etc. Is there room for anyone else? Ouch! My prayer list can look like a gripe list rather than a list of compassion for others.  Martin Luther said, “the fewer the words, the better the prayer.”

Imagine what our prayer life would be like if we applied the same principle? If we could be still and silent in God’s presence long enough to hear and understand His heart, imagine the impact on our listening skills as they relate to our daily interactions?

Matthew records the words of Jesus: “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” OK, God, I hear you…

"Listen to me, you who pursue righteousness, Who seek the LORD: Look to the rock from which you were hewn, And to the quarry from which you were dug.” Isaiah 51:1

“My soul waits in silence for God only; From Him is my salvation.” Psalm 62:1

Are we listening...