Greetings to you in the name of the One whose name gives us authority in our Christian walk, Jesus Christ – THE Risen Saviour! What a promising Spring morning in the Kingdom – and, of course, it has been given to us from Father God. I trust that you have had a good week – maybe not the week you were expecting nor wanted but one of surprises, adventures, and opportunities to experience His saving-keeping power. I hope you are excited about the weekend ahead – Mother’s Day on Sunday – and being able to gather with the church family for praise and worship. I will be praying for you today, asking Father to infuse you with health, strength, and a happy heart!
I have been reading – again – a book on prayer. I know, I know it sounds a little stuffy but it is actually a very interesting, often humorous, and gently provocative. The book – “A Year of Living Prayerfully” – was written by a Christian writer from just down the road from here – Jared Brock. The basic premise is that he and his wife decided to spend a year adventuring into the realm of prayer because, as he says in the book, their prayer life had become routine-boring-a little weak-a habit. I suppose that is why it appealed to me.
The first time through the book was so good that I ended up reading it very quickly – it was energising. So I read a second time – more slowly – and gleaned some good information that I was able to use. Then I did what many of us do, I put it on my shelf of favourite books and forgot about it. However here we are, a month after Easter and Pentecost is getting close. This is supposed to be a time of preparation and prayer for the birthday of the church. Therefore a good time to read something about prayer, hence I pick up the above-mentioned book.
I think I might even do a sermon or two about prayer – who knows I might learn something new. So, I open the book, skim a few pages, and find a quote that had struck me before but it seemed too have a fresh impact. Here it is: “There is a mighty lot of difference between saying prayers and praying” – John G. Lake. Lake was born just a few miles from here and established during his ministry – The Healing Rooms. I have read his biography and it is very colourful. However, looking again at his quote I sensed God challenging me — don’t just be a person who says prayers, be a praying person. I like a good challenge, especially from God, so there is a new adventure afoot. Will you join me and see what God has up his sleeve.
Have a great weekend – be blessed!