I’m Called. I’m Summoned. I Pray, Too.

Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – January 31, 2015

I’m Called. I’m Summoned. I Pray, Too.

Calling? A calling can be one’s position in life. More than a work-a-day job, more than merely earning wages. A true calling can give my life deep, heartfelt meaning. My calling can be like the needle on a compass—pointing toward my life’s purpose and true substance.

Summoned? This word has several meanings, but one of the most common is commanded, or sent a message, to come. Johnny on the spot. Front and center. Hurry up! There is some urgency in this call.

Jesus gets in on the action. At the beginning of His ministry, He is walking by the Sea of Galilee, and sees four fisherman. Two sets of brothers. He says, “Come, follow Me!” Lo and behold, the four men do. Leaving their fishing equipment, in the middle of things, they follow Jesus.

Jesus called, they followed. Jesus summoned, they answered the call.

I heard this narrative from the Gospels a number of times. I felt the call of Jesus deeply. I prepared myself, going to bible college here in Illinois. Becoming trained in a number of areas. Fitting myself to be a caring, capable bible teacher, youth leader, church musician. I prayed, too. And was a regular jack-of-all-trades, as far as the church is concerned. (Or, is that a Jill-of-all-trades?)

I cried out to God as I saw my friends and acquaintances around me go off to far-flung places. Some in professional ministry, others as nurses, teachers, business people. I had skills. I had drive and desire to serve. Other than the occasional little, short-term jobs,  no professional openings for me, anywhere, either secular or sacred.  Still, I found places in churches to minister as a lay leader, while waiting. And waiting for years. Getting more training, and further preparation. And, praying, too.

Does this sound familiar? Pounding the pavement, and some interest. A few interviews, but no job offers. Sending out resumes and making calls, and some interest. Again, a few interviews, but no positions available. For years and years. I can well relate to people nowadays who have been unemployed for the long term. It’s disheartening and depressing. Makes you feel awful, about yourself, your skills, your chances, life in general.

But—Jesus. Jesus calling. Jesus giving the summons.

Is that You, Lord? Can You mean me, Lord? Finally?

It’s three decades since I graduated from bible college, and I have had quite a ride. Never a straight line, never a clear path, but always a fascinating one. Rev. Howell has “calling” as his last topic, for the last day of his lessons on prayer. He riffs on some of these same things I’ve covered, and mentions that God’s “calling” ultimately weaves each of us into the fabric of community. I appreciate Rev. Howell’s assistance in leading me through this study guide on prayer. I would like to close in the brief prayer which he uses to close this chapter.

So let us pray together: “O Lord, help me know to what you are calling me. Open my eyes and ears. Help me read the signs in my soul. Create a willing spirit in me, for I know you may be calling me to something very different in my work, or in the way I do my work, or with the rest of my life, or even this afternoon, in the next minute. O Lord, teach us to pray, and to follow. Amen.” [1]

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

Why not visit my sister blog, “the best of” A Year of Being Kind.

[1] James C. Howell, The Beautiful Work of Learning to Pray, (Nashville, TN, Abingdon Press: 2003), 96-97.

Leaving Advent Calendars Behind

matterofprayer blog post for Monday, December 16, 2013

Advent calendars are wonderful. Great ways to show small children, visually, how many days have to pass before Christmas comes. I have used Advent calendars in my house for years. They are pretty and useful. In years past, the young people here have really appreciated the yearly calendar. But now, my two younger children are in their late teens. Yes, I got an Advent calendar, but my 19 year old did not want to open any windows (this year, at least). And my 16 year old is opening windows in the calendar, but is not particularly excited about it.

What do I do when some Advent activity or small tradition of Christmas is left behind? How will I feel? Will my unrealistic expectations be dashed? What then?

This is where prayer comes in. Prayer can be calming. Prayer can be life-saving. I can pour out my disappointment to God in prayer, and get some relief. (some release, too!) I know, intellectually, that my children are growing and changing. As each new year passes and each December proceeds toward Christmas, I need to grow and change, too. My prayer life helps me come to terms with that part.

God knows our disappointment and fear, as well as our anxiety, anger and distress. God is familiar with our joy, excitement, and laughter, too. These are God-given expressions, meant to express our feelings, desires and the innermost cries of our hearts. (chuckles, too!) God calls us to pray, to communicate, to curl up alongside and have a heart-to-heart talk. Just what I need, so often.

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for such wonderful ideas as Advent calendars! But help me come to terms with facts: my younger children are growing beyond such things. I know You can bring me—You can bring us—to fresh understandings of the Advent season. Thank You for this time of preparation. Prepare our hearts to receive You. Amen!

We wait.

matterofprayer blog post for Sunday, December 1, 2013

Today is the first Sunday in Advent. At my church, that means lighting the Advent wreath in a decorated sanctuary, with everything in the service oriented toward the coming One. We celebrate the four-week period that comes before Christmas. In other words, we wait.

I can relate. In terms of prayer, I wait a lot. I wait for God to answer prayer. I wait for God to reveal things to me. I wait for news, for healing, employment. I wait for people. I wait for a lot of things. I am more patient than I used to be, but I still wish God would hurry up!

God, I know I’m griping. But I wish I knew better what God had for me, in this world. In this life. Sure, I know some good ways to approach God in prayer, in meditation, in service. One great way is one my church just used yesterday. They helped provide and serve sloppy joes at a local food kitchen, one that serves homeless people on Saturday afternoons. What a needed way to be the hands and feet of Christ to others.

But, I am coming back to the concept of waiting. God, I almost don’t want to pray for patience, because I know what that will mean—You’ll make me wait even more. But Advent is not only a time of waiting, it’s a time of preparation, too. At least I can prepare my heart to welcome the Christ-child once again. And, I know I can claim the wonderful promises You made.

Let’s pray. God, thank You for this time of preparation and waiting. Help me to get ready. Not in terms of a material way, but internally. It is an inside job. I know I do not reflect on the Christ-child’s birth enough. Forgive me. Help me do better. Help me prepare for the coming of Christmas in real, tangible ways, like serving the homeless. Most importantly, help me prepare my heart for You. Amen.