Tag Archives: dismal

Praying Through the Rain

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

 

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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

Like what you read? Disagree? Share your thoughts with your loved ones and continue the conversation.

Why not visit my companion blogs, “the best of” A Year of Being Kind.  #PursuePEACE. My Facebook page, Pursuing Peace – Thanks! And, read my sermons from Pastor, Preacher Pray-er

 

PEACE: Calm Assurance/Rest in GOD

Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Sunday, March 13, 2016

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PEACE: Calm Assurance/Rest in GOD

Today marks the last definition from the North Shore Assembly of God in Skokie. All of these were heartfelt, in different ways. This definition came from one woman I’ve known for almost two years. I had the opportunity to ask her about her personal definition of PEACE.

Trisha Baker’s personal definition of “PEACE: Calm Assurance and Rest IN GOD.”

This brief summary, above, encapsulates what Trisha understands about peace. When I asked her about a further explanation, this is what she said: “It is a calm assurance and rest IN GOD that everything is in His hands. When we focus on the Word of God, the promises that He has given us through His word, we can be assured that HE is in control.

“Yes, it looks dismal, impossible, crazy, and unbelievable. BUT GOD s not a god who is far away or unaware of what is going on in the world! He left us Hisi peace, which surpasses all understanding AND keeps our hearts and minds – but only if we keep our gaze ON HIM! That’s when we can have peace!”

Sister Trisha, thank you so much for such a wonderful articulation of what PEACE means to you. I appreciate that you did not just concentrate on sunshine and rainbows and butterflies, the positive side of life as seen through rose-tinted glasses. No, you also touched on the difficult things in life. The dismal, impossible, even crazy things that regularly happen. You spoke of God’s peace, which passes all understanding. You reminded us of God being right by our sides. Even though sometimes life is not easy. Or “fair.” Or happy. BUT, GOD. God remains at our sides even though. Even through all kinds of fiery trials.

God, thank You that You ARE THERE for us. Thank You.

@chaplaineliza

Like what you read? Disagree? Share your thoughts with your loved ones and continue the conversation.

Why not visit my sister blogs, “the best of” A Year of Being Kind.   @chaplaineliza And, read my sermons from Pastor, Preacher Pray-er