As Long As Ever You Can

matterofprayer blog post for Saturday, February 8, 2014

As Long As Ever You Can

I shift from one helpful prayer guide to another. I’m afraid I’m not that constant, as far as sticking with one prayer guide is concerned. However, God sends me amazing things to pray about, no matter which prayer book I happen to be using at the time.

Take yesterday, for example. I used James Howell’s devotional book on prayer. (I know I mentioned it here before.) Rev. Howell is a Methodist elder and a knowledgeable person on the subject of prayer. His discussion on fruitfulness was quite helpful to me, especially since I am trying to find intentional acts of service to do. On a regular basis, of course.

Howell mentioned “inward holiness,” or growing our souls deeper into God. Being fruitful is one way for me to grow deeper into God (his words). Or, in my way of thinking, if I am fruitful, I walk more closely with God. After all, if I feel far away from God, chances are that I moved away. I suspect God is patient and long-suffering. God will stay right in the same place, no matter how long it takes.

I am actively looking for acts of loving, caring service each day in 2014. I pray on a regular basis for God to send acts of service my way. It is amazing how God is answering that prayer. And in odd ways, humorous ways, even amazing ways. (Check out my other blog, A Year of Being Kind. Today’s post: http://wp.me/p4cOf8-2R )

I attended seminary at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, which is a United Methodist seminary. So, I have some understanding of John Wesley and his ideas of personal holiness. Moreover, I know something about the service orientation that is deeply part of many Methodists, and their way of doing and thinking about theology. Some of my best friends at seminary are currently serving UMC churches. Praise God for them and their various ministries.

I would like to close in prayer today with a particular quote of John Wesley. I am taking Wesley’s general rules for living and altering them slightly to turn them into a prayer. I invite you to pray with me. Dear God, help us to do all the good we can, by all the means we can, in all the ways we can, in all the places we can, at all the times we can, to all the people we can, as long as ever we can. In Your mercy, God, hear our prayer.

@chaplaineliza

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Like a Refiner’s Fire

matterofprayer blog post for Monday, December 23, 2013

Like a Refiner’s Fire

It’s almost Christmas Eve. I want to scoot ahead to the time of the Christmas celebration, but we aren’t there yet.

Today, in my Advent reflection, I read Malachi 3:1-3. I was especially struck by the words “For he is like a refiner’s fire . . . and he will purify . . . and refine them like gold and silver.” Yes, I am still waiting, as the practice of Advent encourages me to do. I am watching and waiting for the messenger of the covenant to prepare the way before me, true. But I’m afraid of that other image, too.

I understand the image of the refiner’s fire in principle. But I do not like going through the fire. It’s the being-refined-part that I object to. It hurts! Ow! What gives, God?
I’ve been there, especially in the past number of months with my employment situation. (or difficulty with, or total lack thereof) I understand that I am supposed to reflect God. I’ve heard the analogy of a silversmith melting silver in his shop. He knew that the molten silver had all the impurities taken away when he could see his face in the silver. Gee, silver must really get hot for that to happen! I guess that‘s similar to my situation(s). I earnestly am trying to be faithful, and to follow. Even when the situation’s too hot to handle.

Help me wait for the coming of the Baby in Bethlehem. Soon! Very soon!

Let’s pray. God, I try to follow You. I know You are there by my side, and Your purposes are good and gracious. I know You want me to be faithful, too. Even when I forget You’re there, or get angry because things aren’t going my way, or just get sick and tired of waiting for You. God, forgive me. Help me to continue to wait. Be with me when things get too hot to handle. Protect me when I’m being tried by fire. God, thanks for Your constant presence through every situation, even in this almost-Christmas, still-waiting time. Amen.