Praying Through the Rain

Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Thursday, October 27, 2016

 

Praying Through the Rain

Ordinarily, I like the rain. I enjoy walking in rain, on occasion. I especially relish retreating inside after a chilly, rainy walk, with the prospect of hot coffee or tea. Curling up with a good book and bundled in a warm, snuggly sweater.

Today was not one of those days. Today was a wet, dismal day. Mid to high thirties, so especially damp and chilled. Downright frigid, when the wind blew. My sister and I drove to a museum and toured a large house, a long ways from home—yes, through the raggedy rain, driving against the car’s windshield and windows.

Don’t get me wrong. It was wonderful for us to talk at length, and see some things along the way I had never seen before. However, it was a stressful trip. Especially stressful for my sister, who drove for a long way in mostly heavy traffic.

I sent up several quick prayers, requests for safety on the road.

Do you know about arrow prayers? An older acquaintance told me about what he referred to as arrow prayers. He would shoot them up to heaven, quick and straight. Just like arrows. He would fire them straight to God. A man who chose his words with care, a circumspect man, I thought that arrow prayers described his communication with God perfectly.

Accordingly, I sent up a few arrow prayers today. I thank God for responding. Answering. Calming my heart, and hopefully, my sister’s heart, too. Thanks, God, for being with us every step of the way.

@chaplaineliza

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Intimacy with God

matterofprayer blog post for Wednesday, November 13, 2013

Sometimes, God does not seem very close to me at all. I realize I often rely on my faulty feelings and errant emotions. But God, why is it that I don’t feel You by my side, especially when I really need You?

I did get sort-of-an-answer earlier this week, as I read my devotional book. (on prayer) Written by a Methodist elder, James Howell said, “What we bring to God is not great holiness and wisdom, but brokenness and profound need. . . . Our weakness is not something to be corrected, but becomes the very crucible in which intimacy with God is established.”

I sort-of understand where Howell is going, with this thought. My brokenness and my feelings of being dreadfully alone do not keep me from God. God holds arms open wide, no matter what. God wants intimacy with me. The humorous saying goes something like this: “If someone is far away from God, who moved?” Just so, I need to continue to come to God with whatever is going on in my life, and not shy away.

God intimately knows all about my various weaknesses. God’s strength can bear me up when I fall on my face, or get discouraged, or one or two of the most ridiculous words out of my mouth. It is in these times of dark despair that I am invited into God’s own presence. And the invitation is never withdrawn. Thanks be to God!

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for deep words that James Howell wrote. Whether a few days ago, or years in the past, it doesn’t matter to You. You love me anyway! Help me to celebrate my personal weakness, God. You can turn it around. You have the loving care to bring my wandering-minstrel-mind closer to You. Help me want to stay in Your arms. God in Your mercy, hear our prayers. Thanks!