Okay, let me start at the bottom and work my way up to the top. I love that the grandgirl in front has her shoes on opposite feet. How classic! Lately, now that I have passed into great grandma status, I have been reminiscing about my grandma days - age does change things and it goes so fast.
On the topic of prayer, since I wasn't taught how to pray formally, I have been talking to God being both reverently and casually for as long as I can remember. In other words, I can pray while I am cleaning the bathroom. I think I told you the story of when the news about the Supreme Court outlawed prayer in school came out, I looked up and said to my mom, 'how can they stop me?' T
Given we recently had a near miss tragedy and the week before I felt called to pray specifically, my prayers in the last few days have been mostly praise and gratitude. The key is just being willing to pay attention to the prompts.
He wants us to participate in writing the story that is unfolding.
My youngest granddaughter (who is now 19) loved Crocs but she always chose to wear a different color on each foot. I can't believe she is grown. I'm telling you, treasure the moments! And listen to the prompts!
You've got some gang of cuties there, friend. These are the good old days. And yes please to mittens for Thanksgiving. You're the best grandma ever.
The older I get, the more I'm talking to God. Yesterday I spent an hour praying through the extended family, person by person, as I got my teeth cleaned. Talk about focusing on the right thing. So thankful that God meets us right where we are.
I love your newsletter. But you already knew that ...
That sweet photo of the grands just goes straight to the heart! The quiver is filling to overflowing! I pray as I come and go, sit and stand - prayer weaves throughout my day. I always feel like prayer where one removes oneself from daily and goes into a quiet place are the prayers that count the most - and, while I strive to do that in my daily - some days with more success than others - I talk to God throughout the day, praying, listening conversing.
The part I tend to leave out without meaning to is the word that stood out to me in your comment: listening! How wonderful that we are able to engage in conversation with the God of the universe. This above all else has the ability to change us from the inside out.
I loved this reminder. Your title captured the essence so well. A friend of mine has written many books on prayer. Her early book on Prayer Walking was great. Janet McHenry found that walking her small town in the early morning while praying for those she encountered became a powerful practice. She’s been dedicated to prayer. Her recent book calling Praying Personalities has been very encouraging to me. But as her life models about writing and prayer, doing matters. Prayer builds deeper relationship with God. But I like the reminder our pastor often said. No prayer, no power. More prayer, more power.
I have learned through corporate prayer that praise is more essential than a list of requests. When this became a part of my practice time limits fell away. I decided to make my devotional prayer a true discipline and dedicate specific hours in the morning and evening to my Lord. I use a prayer journal, devotionals, an app and music. That being said I converse with God all day long and pray for him to repeatedly invade my space.
Part of my quiet time each morning is set aside for prayer, but I try to avail myself of God's throne room (SUCH an incredible privilege to be welcome ANY time!) all day long as various experiences draw me to gratitude and praise, prayer requests come via text, or I need to repent my downfalls. To live in an atmosphere of prayer and praise is my desire, but I'm still a work in progress! / LOVE those mittens, Michele! Those ADORABLE grandchildren will look even cuter (if that's possible!) when they're all wearing those.
I also strive for a balance between structured, “scheduled” communion with God and the ad hoc communication that life requires. And I am always encouraged by the mindfulness you bring to your faithful life.
I've been noodling on prayer this week, too - particularly those "long-haul" petitions that we may or may not see answered in our lifetime. The bottom line for me is that I pray because Jesus did, whether or not I "see" results. Thanks as always for your excellent thoughts, Michele.
That’s deeply true and sits on top of any and all of the good reasons for practicing the discipline of prayer. If we do what Jesus did we won’t go wrong.
Hi Michelle! It’s early morning out here in California. I’m drinking coffee before I hustle to get ready. It’s Bible Study Day today and I’ll be leaving the house early. Your newsletter scratched a growing itch to do more. I’ve been so preoccupied with my life circumstances the last few years that I think I’ve put God’s plans for me on the shelf. With my daughter and grandchildren living with us, I think I’ve used that as a subconscious excuse not to write in my blog or truly hear what God is saying to me. I long to be “fired up” again! By you simply sending out the newsletter, sharing Gods word and your life with your readers, you are making me think! Thanks, Michelle! My prayer is that I will listen and obey Him… no excuses (however legitimate!) blessings and good luck on that last set of mittens!!
I am praying for you right this minute that this little stirring of your spirit won’t go away but will materialize into action! It’s so good to hear that you found something substantive and motivating in my little letter. When you have clear direction for your next move, I hope you will share it with me!
Okay, let me start at the bottom and work my way up to the top. I love that the grandgirl in front has her shoes on opposite feet. How classic! Lately, now that I have passed into great grandma status, I have been reminiscing about my grandma days - age does change things and it goes so fast.
On the topic of prayer, since I wasn't taught how to pray formally, I have been talking to God being both reverently and casually for as long as I can remember. In other words, I can pray while I am cleaning the bathroom. I think I told you the story of when the news about the Supreme Court outlawed prayer in school came out, I looked up and said to my mom, 'how can they stop me?' T
Given we recently had a near miss tragedy and the week before I felt called to pray specifically, my prayers in the last few days have been mostly praise and gratitude. The key is just being willing to pay attention to the prompts.
He wants us to participate in writing the story that is unfolding.
Paying attention to the prompts!
That phrase stopped me in my tracks.
And I hadn’t even noticed the shoes…😆
My youngest granddaughter (who is now 19) loved Crocs but she always chose to wear a different color on each foot. I can't believe she is grown. I'm telling you, treasure the moments! And listen to the prompts!
I can see that the role of great grandparents would be very different, so yes, I am mindfully treasuring these years.
You've got some gang of cuties there, friend. These are the good old days. And yes please to mittens for Thanksgiving. You're the best grandma ever.
The older I get, the more I'm talking to God. Yesterday I spent an hour praying through the extended family, person by person, as I got my teeth cleaned. Talk about focusing on the right thing. So thankful that God meets us right where we are.
I love your newsletter. But you already knew that ...
That’s a great use for that time in the chair.
I need perpetual reminders that as much as I want to serve my family, my best service to them will be in prayer.
Love the image of praying with open hands. What a sweet group of cousins!
Thanks, Debbie! It’s always good to hear from you.
That sweet photo of the grands just goes straight to the heart! The quiver is filling to overflowing! I pray as I come and go, sit and stand - prayer weaves throughout my day. I always feel like prayer where one removes oneself from daily and goes into a quiet place are the prayers that count the most - and, while I strive to do that in my daily - some days with more success than others - I talk to God throughout the day, praying, listening conversing.
The part I tend to leave out without meaning to is the word that stood out to me in your comment: listening! How wonderful that we are able to engage in conversation with the God of the universe. This above all else has the ability to change us from the inside out.
This blessed my soul. Thank you!!!
Thank you so much for reading!
This is a good reminder. Thanks.
I appreciate your encouragement!
Great article. You are so right on prayer. God isn't looking for experts He's looking for people who do it .
Somehow I find it so much easier to talk about it, read about it, organize my prayer lists…
What a deceptive detour!
I loved this reminder. Your title captured the essence so well. A friend of mine has written many books on prayer. Her early book on Prayer Walking was great. Janet McHenry found that walking her small town in the early morning while praying for those she encountered became a powerful practice. She’s been dedicated to prayer. Her recent book calling Praying Personalities has been very encouraging to me. But as her life models about writing and prayer, doing matters. Prayer builds deeper relationship with God. But I like the reminder our pastor often said. No prayer, no power. More prayer, more power.
Thank you for sharing these resources! And that’s a very memorable piece of advice from your pastor.
I have learned through corporate prayer that praise is more essential than a list of requests. When this became a part of my practice time limits fell away. I decided to make my devotional prayer a true discipline and dedicate specific hours in the morning and evening to my Lord. I use a prayer journal, devotionals, an app and music. That being said I converse with God all day long and pray for him to repeatedly invade my space.
This sounds like such a peaceful way to pray. I’m so glad you shared the details of your practice!
Prayer should be a big part of our day. Prayers of Praise
Prayers of thanks & worship when we see beauty .
And of course prayers for gods protection and safety
It’s easy to pray on the run, Work or home.
God bless
You're right! And I think we over-complicate prayer, which is really an ongoing conversation with God. I like your phrase: "pray on the run."
Part of my quiet time each morning is set aside for prayer, but I try to avail myself of God's throne room (SUCH an incredible privilege to be welcome ANY time!) all day long as various experiences draw me to gratitude and praise, prayer requests come via text, or I need to repent my downfalls. To live in an atmosphere of prayer and praise is my desire, but I'm still a work in progress! / LOVE those mittens, Michele! Those ADORABLE grandchildren will look even cuter (if that's possible!) when they're all wearing those.
I also strive for a balance between structured, “scheduled” communion with God and the ad hoc communication that life requires. And I am always encouraged by the mindfulness you bring to your faithful life.
I've been noodling on prayer this week, too - particularly those "long-haul" petitions that we may or may not see answered in our lifetime. The bottom line for me is that I pray because Jesus did, whether or not I "see" results. Thanks as always for your excellent thoughts, Michele.
That’s deeply true and sits on top of any and all of the good reasons for practicing the discipline of prayer. If we do what Jesus did we won’t go wrong.
Hi Michelle! It’s early morning out here in California. I’m drinking coffee before I hustle to get ready. It’s Bible Study Day today and I’ll be leaving the house early. Your newsletter scratched a growing itch to do more. I’ve been so preoccupied with my life circumstances the last few years that I think I’ve put God’s plans for me on the shelf. With my daughter and grandchildren living with us, I think I’ve used that as a subconscious excuse not to write in my blog or truly hear what God is saying to me. I long to be “fired up” again! By you simply sending out the newsletter, sharing Gods word and your life with your readers, you are making me think! Thanks, Michelle! My prayer is that I will listen and obey Him… no excuses (however legitimate!) blessings and good luck on that last set of mittens!!
Joan
I am praying for you right this minute that this little stirring of your spirit won’t go away but will materialize into action! It’s so good to hear that you found something substantive and motivating in my little letter. When you have clear direction for your next move, I hope you will share it with me!
Will do! Thank you, Michele!