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

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

 

Prayer When All Looks Dark

matterofprayer blog post for Friday, September 5, 2014

Prayer When All Looks Dark

Dark clouds, black as night! But it’s the middle of the afternoon . . .

We had a cloudburst here in the Chicago area today. This afternoon, to be exact. I sat in my office and watched the torrential downpour happen for some twenty minutes.

Before the rain started, I could look west and see the clouds roll in. The dark clouds, almost black, heavy with rain. The trees and bushes rustled, waved in the rising wind. Then, twisted and turned. Drops started to fall. And then fall harder. In less than no time, sheets of rain pounded the pavement outside my window.

Isn’t that the way it is, sometimes? I mean, life. “It never rains, but it pours,” is one old saying I remember. Things pile up. Or, pile on. In a very short amount of time, sometimes, life becomes too full. Too chaotic. Too much. Too deep. What then?

Is God around? Can God hear me? Does God even care about me?

Torrential downpours happen in many people’s lives, not only affecting them, but affecting their loved ones, too. Sure, when employment or school or family situations crop up, that can be devastating. But, when emotional or psychological issues rear their heads? That can be even more traumatic. Because people often frown upon what they consider signs of weakness or ineptness. Tendencies toward isolation or depression or anxiety.

Yes, God is our ever present refuge and strength! Please, don’t forget this! God will be our very present help in times of trouble and need! God is always ready and willing to be there for us! But just as we go to doctors when we have a broken arm, or call an appliance repair person when our refrigerator needs fixing, so there are good people, trained professionals who are ready and willing to help with psychological and emotional needs, too.

That downpour in our lives can be stopped. You and I can get on the road to better psychological, mental, emotional, and spiritual health. (Often, physical health can be a concern, too. Check on it, too.)

Today is September 5, 2014, the day after NAMI’s annual conference in Washington DC marched on Capitol Hill and launching an outreach on social media, including Twitter and Facebook. (#Act4MentalHealth) Thus, I am encouraged to open up, writing about my difficulties with depression. I am speaking out with my message of walking through the dark places, and coming out the other side. God willing, many people will speak out. Not be ashamed.

Let’s pray. Dear Lord, gracious God, we thank You for being our refuge and strength. We ask that if we know anyone who is having difficulty with a downpour in their lives, than You help us to be a support and strength to them. Thank You, God, for loving us. For caring for us. And, for giving us Your comforting presence, no matter what. Amen!

For more information, here’s NAMI’s website: http://www.nami.org/

NAMI’s contact information: NAMI, 3803 N. Fairfax Dr., Suite 100, Arlington, Va 22203

NAMI’s telephone numbers: Main: (703) 524-7600, Fax: (703) 524-9094, Member Services: (888) 999-6264, Helpline: (800) 950-6264

@chaplaineliza

(also published at www.matterofprayer.net