Last night I was driving on the freeway in the midst of a downpour. I LOVED IT! The sound pelting the roof of the card, the swishing of the tires, the dark ominous clouds...Amazing! Can you tell I am a southern Californian! I began to reflect on the power of God and His mighty strength.
The rain began to subside, the dark clouds began to part in the distance, and the son was shining through. It was so brilliant and such an astounding contrast to the dark sky. The son radiated off the clouds in hues of beautiful oranges, pinks, and rose colors. I began to notice that it looked like a watercolor painting. I reflected on God's love for beauty and was so excited that He designed "color".
This morning as I drove to work, the sky was crystal clear and the mountain range was covered in snow. The son reflecting off of the mountains took the brilliance of white to a new level. It took my breath away. I reflected on God's mercies which are new every morning, the cleansing we receive in Christ, and His majesty.
Take time today to allow your sense of sight, touch, smell, taste, and hearing reveal God to you.
His creation testifies to His existence. The smell of a newborn baby, the softness of touch, the smell of cookies baking...allow God to show you delight in Him as you stop and sense His presence in all things.
Father,
Thank you for our ability to see, hear, taste, touch, and smell your beauty in our surroundings. We are mindful of you as we reflect on your creation, your power, your imagination, your intimacy and your love. Thank you for the delights of each day as we enjoy moments of tenderness, comfort, and strength through a hand-shake, a hug, or the smell of sweet grass after the rain. Expand our understanding, Lord, of your presence and our ability to reflect on you in the simple everyday experiences of life. Let us not miss a moment to praise you, to honor you, to be mindful of you and to thank you. Open our eyes, our ears, our senses that we may truly "see" and experience your grandeur.
We praise you!
Amen
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
In the Presence of Royalty
Yesterday I had the privilege of hearing the Israeli Ambassador speak to a room full of pastors. It was an insightful experience and truly painted a beautiful picture of God's divine hand in the history of the relationship between Israel and the United States. As I ponder prayer, I found myself reflecting on yesterday. The invitation was extended weeks ago. We each had to send over our driver's license number and each have a background screening. We all dressed better than our normal work attire, piled into cars and drove 45 minutes to Mariner's Church, and waited over an hour before we heard the Ambassador speak for 20 minutes, and then we drove back in midweek traffic another hour and a half. We all felt it was worth it, and we were glad we went.
I looked at the preparation and willingness we had to go the extra mile to hear someone speak that I did not get to talk with, or meet, nor will I ever see him again. I realized that I was missing something huge! Everyday, at any moment, from wherever I am, I can speak to the most amazing, most powerful, and most influential person in the universe. Jesus is the King of all Kings, the Lord of all Lords and He is but a whisper away. The scripture says He knew me before I was formed in my mother's womb, that He knows every hair on my head, and yet He is Almighty God! I don't have to be prescreened, dress up, drive over an hour to be with Him for a few minutes. He is here, available, open, desiring intimacy with me! Who am I, that you are mindful of me?
Often we approach prayer as the thing we "have to" do, or "should" spend time in. Are we missing something amazing? We have the PRIVILEGE to be in the audience of a King, THE King every moment of every day. He cares about our hearts and He wants to hear all we desire to share. We have the accessibility to hear His heart as we wait in His presence...The invitation went out a couple of thousand years ago to be in relationship with Him...let's embrace this amazing opportunity!
Dearest King,
How humbling it is that you are so available to those that call on your name. To be so quickly in your presence...in the midst of your holiness, glory, and purity. Lord, how amazing it is to have your ear, that you care, that you love us. Jesus, forgive us for taking your availability for granted. Forgive us for our lack of desire and hunger to be in your presence. Lord, you are valuable, and worth our effort. It is a privilege to sit at your feet, to freely worship you, to humbly call on you, and to rest in your presence. We stand amazed that you answer our cries, that you respond to our heart, and that you move mountains on our behalf! Precious King, thank you for making a way for us to be accepted through your sacrifice that we can boldly come before your throne...how amazing, how wonderful...thank you!
In Jesus Name,
Amen.
I looked at the preparation and willingness we had to go the extra mile to hear someone speak that I did not get to talk with, or meet, nor will I ever see him again. I realized that I was missing something huge! Everyday, at any moment, from wherever I am, I can speak to the most amazing, most powerful, and most influential person in the universe. Jesus is the King of all Kings, the Lord of all Lords and He is but a whisper away. The scripture says He knew me before I was formed in my mother's womb, that He knows every hair on my head, and yet He is Almighty God! I don't have to be prescreened, dress up, drive over an hour to be with Him for a few minutes. He is here, available, open, desiring intimacy with me! Who am I, that you are mindful of me?
Often we approach prayer as the thing we "have to" do, or "should" spend time in. Are we missing something amazing? We have the PRIVILEGE to be in the audience of a King, THE King every moment of every day. He cares about our hearts and He wants to hear all we desire to share. We have the accessibility to hear His heart as we wait in His presence...The invitation went out a couple of thousand years ago to be in relationship with Him...let's embrace this amazing opportunity!
Dearest King,
How humbling it is that you are so available to those that call on your name. To be so quickly in your presence...in the midst of your holiness, glory, and purity. Lord, how amazing it is to have your ear, that you care, that you love us. Jesus, forgive us for taking your availability for granted. Forgive us for our lack of desire and hunger to be in your presence. Lord, you are valuable, and worth our effort. It is a privilege to sit at your feet, to freely worship you, to humbly call on you, and to rest in your presence. We stand amazed that you answer our cries, that you respond to our heart, and that you move mountains on our behalf! Precious King, thank you for making a way for us to be accepted through your sacrifice that we can boldly come before your throne...how amazing, how wonderful...thank you!
In Jesus Name,
Amen.
Monday, February 8, 2010
Breath Prayers
There have been a few times in my life where I couldn't seem to muster up a prayer. The words just wouldn't come, the heart was too heavy, the mind too cluttered, the burdens too great. The only word I could get out was "Jesus". Just His name. Or is it "just" a name? His name is above every name, and at the name of Jesus every knew will bow in heaven and earth and below the earth! That is quite a name! It is a name that moves mountains, quiets storms, and invokes the presence of the Holy Spirit.
I had heard teaching on this practice I had stumbled upon out of desparation and realized it was an ancient practice! Some call it centering prayer, or breath prayers. It is where you take a name for God, or a phrase about God and in moments throughout the day you say the phrase or word as a conscious way of immediately connecting with God.
I liken it to when my husband and I are out for the day. There are times of sharing, laughing, and times of silence. When we are just sitting or walking in the quiet, and one of us reaches out and just takes a hand, or touches a shoulder, it is immediate connection. It speaks of our awareness of each other and our desire to just "be" with each other in the moment.
As I go through a day, often I will just stop and say his name..."Jesus", or "thank you Lord", or "I love you God"... Then I go on. It is a quick moment of prayer, connection, awareness, and tenderness. It keeps me mindful of His presence and my dependency upon Him.
I pray you will spiritually "breathe" with me today!
"Lord, you are worthy! Amen"
I had heard teaching on this practice I had stumbled upon out of desparation and realized it was an ancient practice! Some call it centering prayer, or breath prayers. It is where you take a name for God, or a phrase about God and in moments throughout the day you say the phrase or word as a conscious way of immediately connecting with God.
I liken it to when my husband and I are out for the day. There are times of sharing, laughing, and times of silence. When we are just sitting or walking in the quiet, and one of us reaches out and just takes a hand, or touches a shoulder, it is immediate connection. It speaks of our awareness of each other and our desire to just "be" with each other in the moment.
As I go through a day, often I will just stop and say his name..."Jesus", or "thank you Lord", or "I love you God"... Then I go on. It is a quick moment of prayer, connection, awareness, and tenderness. It keeps me mindful of His presence and my dependency upon Him.
I pray you will spiritually "breathe" with me today!
"Lord, you are worthy! Amen"
Friday, February 5, 2010
Close the Gap Prayers
I was a registered dental assistant for many years, and one of the most rewarding things we were able to do was to close a gap between someone's front teeth! They would come in self-conscious and very aware of the visible gap in the front of their smile. There was hope that something could be done, anything... The excitement that would follow the diagnosis that it was an easy fix, would light up their face and change their demeanor. The dentist had the knowledge, the training, and the materials to fill the gap and change the perspective of all that would look at this person from here on out. The few moments of dental expertise would change the demeanor and personality of the person receiving the treatment. No more half smiles, no more insecurity, no more embarassment!
Jesus was an expert gap closer in prayer. He came to prayer with expertise of the Father from hours spent in prayer and relationship with Him. Jesus came with the materials to fill the gap, the power of the Holy Spirit. In John 17: 3 Jesus prays, "This is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you sent." The conversion experience is culminated in a prayer of commitment and surrender, as well as immersion in the waters of Baptism. Eternal life is often something we consider as our heavenbound destination. Here Jesus closes the gap of our understanding...He brings eternity from a far away destination to a daily experience.
This is eternal life...That you KNOW God and Jesus Christ whom He sent.
KNOWing God and Jesus is the impetus for praying the salvation the prayer, baptism, and heaven. The words alone donot save us, it is the heart turning toward acknowledgement of Jesus Christ as Lord, Son of God, God Himself. In that knowledge we touch eternity...life is in that knowledge. Our prayer of commitment is a tangible moment of acknowledging His "Lordship", and is a covenant with God and our baptism is an act of obedience and surrender... Our daily life immersed in the KNOWledge of Jesus Christ and God the Father is eternal life...here, now. No more insecurity, no more half smiles, no more embarassment...the gap is closed and we are IN Him!
Father God,
We praise you, we worship you, we acknowledge your Headship, your power, your glory, your dominion! You are the only true God, there is none other like you. Jesus, You are the Christ, the Messiah, the risen Lord, God incarnate, holy, blameless, merciful, true. We praise you for the ability to touch eternity each day, as we bask in the knowledge of your existence. As we rest in your love and acceptance, as we embrace your grace and mercy, we are overwhelmed with your presence, your life eternal. How can we thank you, how can we express our gratitude, our love? Oh precious King, we bow before you in humble adoration, crying out to you on behalf of those that do not know you, those that do not experience eternal life...Oh, King...will you reveal yourself? Have mercy and rescue those in darkness. Have mercy and embrace those that are lost. We beg of you...make yourself known that eternal life may immerse the hearts and souls of those that so desparately need you. May we be mindful today of the eternal life experience in KNOWing you!
In Jesus Name,
Amen!
Jesus was an expert gap closer in prayer. He came to prayer with expertise of the Father from hours spent in prayer and relationship with Him. Jesus came with the materials to fill the gap, the power of the Holy Spirit. In John 17: 3 Jesus prays, "This is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you sent." The conversion experience is culminated in a prayer of commitment and surrender, as well as immersion in the waters of Baptism. Eternal life is often something we consider as our heavenbound destination. Here Jesus closes the gap of our understanding...He brings eternity from a far away destination to a daily experience.
This is eternal life...That you KNOW God and Jesus Christ whom He sent.
KNOWing God and Jesus is the impetus for praying the salvation the prayer, baptism, and heaven. The words alone donot save us, it is the heart turning toward acknowledgement of Jesus Christ as Lord, Son of God, God Himself. In that knowledge we touch eternity...life is in that knowledge. Our prayer of commitment is a tangible moment of acknowledging His "Lordship", and is a covenant with God and our baptism is an act of obedience and surrender... Our daily life immersed in the KNOWledge of Jesus Christ and God the Father is eternal life...here, now. No more insecurity, no more half smiles, no more embarassment...the gap is closed and we are IN Him!
Father God,
We praise you, we worship you, we acknowledge your Headship, your power, your glory, your dominion! You are the only true God, there is none other like you. Jesus, You are the Christ, the Messiah, the risen Lord, God incarnate, holy, blameless, merciful, true. We praise you for the ability to touch eternity each day, as we bask in the knowledge of your existence. As we rest in your love and acceptance, as we embrace your grace and mercy, we are overwhelmed with your presence, your life eternal. How can we thank you, how can we express our gratitude, our love? Oh precious King, we bow before you in humble adoration, crying out to you on behalf of those that do not know you, those that do not experience eternal life...Oh, King...will you reveal yourself? Have mercy and rescue those in darkness. Have mercy and embrace those that are lost. We beg of you...make yourself known that eternal life may immerse the hearts and souls of those that so desparately need you. May we be mindful today of the eternal life experience in KNOWing you!
In Jesus Name,
Amen!
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Mind the Gap!
When I was in London with my daughter a few years ago, we had our funniest moments in the subways of the city. As we would get ready to board the train, a loud booming "Mind the Gap!" would resound over the intercom. It startled us the first time, and it took us a few times before we realized what this was all about. There is a gap between the subway dock and the train that you can easily step into which would result in injury and danger. It was the constant reminder to all of us...Mind the Gap! Watch out for danger! Beware of where you put your foot!
They have t-shirts that even say, "Mind the Gap!" As funny as this was to Sarah and I, it reminds me of one of the saddest scriptures I have come across.
"I searched for a man among them that would build up the wall and stand in the gap before me for the land, so that I would not destroy it; but I found no one." Ez. 22:30 God was looking for someone to intercede, to be the go between, to cry out to Him, to plead for mercy, to call out in repentance for the people, to seek His face...and here are the words that grip the heart..."and I found no one."
This passage shows the heart of God. In His righteousness He must respond to evil and sin, and yet His desire is redemption, restoration, and intimacy with His children. Is God looking today for "intercessors" who will cry out to Him on behalf of a lost generation, a confused and rebellious society, a broken and hopeless people? Is God searching for someone, anyone, to stand in the gap? This reveals to me His desire to respond, to move, to show up! He is just waiting to be asked, to be sought out. I praise God for Jesus Christ, the one who truly interceded on our behalf and made a way for us to cross the gap our sin created. Until Christ returns we have been left with the call and the privilege of crying out to God on behalf of those in the land.
Will you "Mind the Gap" with me?
Heavenly Father,
How I love seeing your desire to hear one heart that will cry out to you on behalf of the lost. God, forgive us for unaware hearts. Show us those around us that are lost, hurting, confused and dismayed. Give us your heart to respond and your eyes to see. Empower us with your Holy Spirit to pray with boldness asking for a move of your Spirit in the land. God forgive us as a people, as a nation, for turning from your ways. Forgive us for not loving you, for not obeying you, for not following you, and for ignoring your Word. Lord, we cry out and pray that your Spirit of Salvation and Repentance will flood the land. Please begin with my heart, and bring your revival to our city, our nation, and the world. Lord, we admit our need for you. We admit our hunger for you and our desire to know you. We cry out for your mercy, Lord, for people all around us that so need Jesus. Soften their hearts, O Lord, and extend your love in ways that will bring them to your throne of grace. Use us, O God, to be the hands and feet of Jesus.
In Jesus name,
Amen
They have t-shirts that even say, "Mind the Gap!" As funny as this was to Sarah and I, it reminds me of one of the saddest scriptures I have come across.
"I searched for a man among them that would build up the wall and stand in the gap before me for the land, so that I would not destroy it; but I found no one." Ez. 22:30 God was looking for someone to intercede, to be the go between, to cry out to Him, to plead for mercy, to call out in repentance for the people, to seek His face...and here are the words that grip the heart..."and I found no one."
This passage shows the heart of God. In His righteousness He must respond to evil and sin, and yet His desire is redemption, restoration, and intimacy with His children. Is God looking today for "intercessors" who will cry out to Him on behalf of a lost generation, a confused and rebellious society, a broken and hopeless people? Is God searching for someone, anyone, to stand in the gap? This reveals to me His desire to respond, to move, to show up! He is just waiting to be asked, to be sought out. I praise God for Jesus Christ, the one who truly interceded on our behalf and made a way for us to cross the gap our sin created. Until Christ returns we have been left with the call and the privilege of crying out to God on behalf of those in the land.
Will you "Mind the Gap" with me?
Heavenly Father,
How I love seeing your desire to hear one heart that will cry out to you on behalf of the lost. God, forgive us for unaware hearts. Show us those around us that are lost, hurting, confused and dismayed. Give us your heart to respond and your eyes to see. Empower us with your Holy Spirit to pray with boldness asking for a move of your Spirit in the land. God forgive us as a people, as a nation, for turning from your ways. Forgive us for not loving you, for not obeying you, for not following you, and for ignoring your Word. Lord, we cry out and pray that your Spirit of Salvation and Repentance will flood the land. Please begin with my heart, and bring your revival to our city, our nation, and the world. Lord, we admit our need for you. We admit our hunger for you and our desire to know you. We cry out for your mercy, Lord, for people all around us that so need Jesus. Soften their hearts, O Lord, and extend your love in ways that will bring them to your throne of grace. Use us, O God, to be the hands and feet of Jesus.
In Jesus name,
Amen
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
The Journey Begins
As a church we have been called to prayer. What does that mean?
I have a friend, Julie, who lives in June Lake, CA. She is a Captain of the volunteer firefighters. When I have gone to visit, we have heard the siren howl throughout the canyon alerting all volunteer firefighters to report for duty...there is a need. She immediately leaves and heads to the department and they suit up and respond to the call.
Many churches are hearing the call...the siren of God is alerting His children..."There is a need."
Pastor's are spreading the call, young people are rising up, mother's hearts are breaking with the weight of it, community leaders are responding, and men are standing in the gap...do you hear the call?
Will you join me, and commit to report for duty in prayer each day? Will you come to God's Firehouse, get suited up, and respond to the need? I will daily post a prayer that you can pray with me, or I hope will add on to, and we will begin a concert of prayer. I look forward to sharing this journey with you!
Dear Father,
I thank you for the venue and opportunity to pray with those that will join me. Thank you for the call to come to your throne of grace boldly with our heart cries. Lord, we so want to pray in accordance with your heart, your passion, your desire, and your plan. Lead us, Holy Spirit, into all truth, and help us to discover the depths of the Father's heart through this prayer journey. Empower this blog to reach out and inspire, motivate, captivate hearts for you and lead others into an intimate, tender, walk with you. We love you precious Father, we adore you Lord Jesus, how we need you Holy Spirit...Come...lead us for we are responding to the call.
In the name of Jesus,
Amen.
I have a friend, Julie, who lives in June Lake, CA. She is a Captain of the volunteer firefighters. When I have gone to visit, we have heard the siren howl throughout the canyon alerting all volunteer firefighters to report for duty...there is a need. She immediately leaves and heads to the department and they suit up and respond to the call.
Many churches are hearing the call...the siren of God is alerting His children..."There is a need."
Pastor's are spreading the call, young people are rising up, mother's hearts are breaking with the weight of it, community leaders are responding, and men are standing in the gap...do you hear the call?
Will you join me, and commit to report for duty in prayer each day? Will you come to God's Firehouse, get suited up, and respond to the need? I will daily post a prayer that you can pray with me, or I hope will add on to, and we will begin a concert of prayer. I look forward to sharing this journey with you!
Dear Father,
I thank you for the venue and opportunity to pray with those that will join me. Thank you for the call to come to your throne of grace boldly with our heart cries. Lord, we so want to pray in accordance with your heart, your passion, your desire, and your plan. Lead us, Holy Spirit, into all truth, and help us to discover the depths of the Father's heart through this prayer journey. Empower this blog to reach out and inspire, motivate, captivate hearts for you and lead others into an intimate, tender, walk with you. We love you precious Father, we adore you Lord Jesus, how we need you Holy Spirit...Come...lead us for we are responding to the call.
In the name of Jesus,
Amen.
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