Effective Prayer

I am always glad to hear messages about prayer. Why? Because prayer is so very misunderstood in our society today.
My earliest recollection of prayer came as a young child who attended church regularly and participated in activities directed to praying. My mother, who was very devout, would gather her children and husband on a weekly basis. As she turned off our television, with her rosary in hand, she directed us to kneel around one of the beds, and the praying began. After we completed 10 'Our Fathers' and 50 'Hail Marys', we got up from our numbed knees and resumed watching the 'Wonderful World of Disney' or 'Bonanza'. This is what praying meant to me at that time.
Later, as a teenager, my prayers became more personal. I trusted God with bigger things, such as passing a school exam, being allowed to go to a dance by my parents, and even praying that I wouldn't get caught when I was doing something I knew was wrong. I now know that the Lord protected me, even when I clearly stepped out of His perfect will. This is what I know to be 'mercy'. It is not getting what you deserve.
I'm older now. My prayers have turned more introspected as I now am on an advanced leg of my journey in life. I am filled with gratitude, seeing the Lord has bestowed upon me an awesome family. I never dreamed that I would know such wonderful children, and now grandchildren. Yet, I also know that prayer is what has caused this to be so, and not luck, or chance.
I also know that I will always pray, because, prayer is like breathing. Just as you inhale-- taking in the Truths of God, you exhale--pouring your heart out to God in your petitions and giving of thanks.
Prayer is not complicated-- but it does have conditions. I read this morning's devotion by my pastor Greg Laurie, and was encouraged of what I need to be in order for the Lord to hear and answer my prayers. I offer the words of Greg in the words he wrote in his devotion:

"Listen! The Lord's arm is not too weak to save you, nor is his ear too deaf to hear you call. It's your sins that have cut you off from God. Because of your sins, he has turned away and will not listen anymore."
~Isaiah 59:1–2

One of the reasons our prayers may not be answered is because of unconfessed sin in our lives. Nothing will bring a prayer life to a halt faster than unconfessed sin. Psalm 66:18 says, "If I had not confessed the sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened.
The problems is that we don't want to call sin what it is anymore. We will call it a weakness or a mistake or a shortcoming or a sickness. But why don't we call it what it is—a sin? And why don't we admit it is there? Why don't we ask God to forgive us as we turn from it? If we will not deal with our sins, God will not hear our prayers.
Idolatry, or putting something in our lives into a place of prominence over God himself, can also be a hindrance to prayer. In Ezekiel 14:3, God said, "Son of man, these leaders have set up idols in their hearts. They have embraced things that will make them fall into sin. Why should I listen to their requests?" Is there someone or something that is more important to you than God himself? Anyone or anything that becomes more important to you than God can potentially become your idol. Any object, idea, philosophy, habit, occupation, or sport that has your primary concern and loyalty—or to any degree, decreases your trust and loyalty to God—could potentially become an idol. And it could stop your prayers from being answered." -- Greg Laurie's Devotion, 5/25/11

Knowing this, because it is God's infallible Word makes me begin praying that I would follow and obey. This is the only way that prayer may be answered.

The Praying Quilt

This morning it dawned on me why I have attached many snapshots and favorite scriptures to a wall-hung quilt. They are the target of meditation and prayer. The visual aids help me to focus on keeping prayer needs at the forefront of my mind. Even after I walk away from the quilt I gaze at during my devotion time, the people and situations represented on the quilt stay fresh on my heart as I drive on the freeway, watch t.v., exercise, or participate in other activities.
I've learned that it's not where you pray, but rather the position of your heart.
It further gives me encouragement not to hold grudges, resentments, or anything that would make me an ineffective prayer partner. The Word clearly states in James 5:16 ~ "Confess your faults to one another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much."

Lasting Impressions

Just reflecting on this past weekend, and two words sum it up..."lasting impressions."
The last 72 hours have been memorable for me~
It began on Friday afternoon when I attended the retirement reception of a former work associate. Although I no longer work with her, I hold Ms. Jackson in high regard. She has always been a superb professional, and a truly caring person. Furthermore, not only was I privleged to work with her, but now my daughter has shared the same privlege. At her retirement reception, Ms. Jackson was surprised to learn that for the last year, her pre-school assistant, Trisha is my daughter. She expressed a high regard for my daughter's strong work ethic, and pleasant disposition with the pre-school children in their department. Ultimately, this represented an emotional passage for me. Although I've retired from the school district, what an honor that my daughter should choose this career path, and work with many of my dear friends and colleagues!
Yesterday, I enjoyed visiting with a former neighbor and sister in Christ during a 'divine appointment' at our local grocery store. There we were, in the bread aisle, reminiscing about our children playing together on our 'kid friendly' block. We caught up on the present in both of our lives, renewed our friendship, and exchanged contact information so we may continue to stay in touch. Later that same day, an evening with my husband, sister, and brother-in-law was delightful, as we dined together, and strolled the beautiful coastline of San Diego.
Finally, Sunday afternoon, our family's reunion committee met in our home. What fun we had laughing and planning our upcoming summer event.
These are times that make me realize how blessed I am to have such wonderful family members and friends. What a lasting impression this leaves on my life.

Things That Go Bump in the Night

Remember the saying- "things that go bump in the night" referring to scary things from horror movies? Well, I got my first real "bump in the dark" a couple of nights ago. Yes, it was scary, but more than that, it hurt. I always think there is a good life lesson to be learned when things like this happen. It seems everything in our lives is for a purpose, and this was no exception.
It was late... the house was very quiet. I crept upstairs to get ready for bed, being careful not to make too much noise, as the rest of my household was already slumbering. I quietly did my nighttime routine, and was ready to pop into bed for a much needed night of sleep.
When I emerged from our bathroom, it was pitch black. I took calculated steps towards my bed- one, two three... I bent down to place my shoes on the ground. The next thing I knew, as my shoes slipped from my hand in swift surprise was a huge BUMP!
Now this was not the type of bump that makes the hair on the back of your neck stand up in eerie response of the unknown. Instead it was a painful impact to my right eye. My face had "bumped" the bed footpost with full force, simply because I never saw it coming. Hence, the pitchdark condition of our bedroom.
I actually saw stars, then the unwelcome wetness of something sticky on my upper right eye area. No, it wasn't the Blob from the 60's horror movie. Instead, as I suspected and soon confirmed, it was blood. I quickly grabbed some Kleenex and applied pressure. After a minute of gathering up my courage, I uncovered my eye, and to my horror, saw it was an inch-long gash over my eyebrow area. I had to think quickly.
My decision was to drive myself to the emergency room at our local hospital. My husband stirred a bit, as I quietly got dressed, so I simply said, "Good Night." His answer was appropriate, and a little funny, now that I think about it. He replied, "Good Night- you must mean Good-Bye". Pretty insightful, I thought.
I spent the next hour and a half at the mostly empty hospital emergency room. I thought this was interesting because it was Mothers' Day. Perhaps family members either don't get sick or hurt on Mothers' Day, or they courteously wait until the next day to notify their moms of their ailments. The hospital staff was nice, asking me firmly how I had gotten the gash. (I think that this is a question asked to all women when they walk in with a face wound.) I told them my story, and I think they believed me. If they didn't, they didn't give it away in their facial expression. I am thankful that the care I received didn't include stitches. Instead, my gash was 'superglued'. No pain injection was needed, and I soon found myself on my way home around 1:20 a.m.
Later that morning, I woke up with a blood red puffy right eye. I carefully put an icepack on it, and doubled up on eyeshadow. I guess I underestimated my make-up techniques, for none of my family members even noticed the wound.
Life lesson to be learned from this experience: NEVER go into a dark room. This reminds me of unknown or "dark situations". These are situations where we speak before we know all the facts, or we rush into dilemmas in our lives where emotions mask the facts.
The same result will occur as it did to me with my experience with the bedpost --we will be stopped flat in our tracks with the painful impact of the hidden dangers. This includes, but is not limited to; harsh words, hurt feelings, and even physical danger, if you're dealing with an angry-beyond-belief individual. You'll never see it coming until you look in the mirror, and you fervently wish you had been more careful.
Instead, we should pray that God will make the light to expose the dangers that lie directly in front of us, and protect us, even when we can't "see" them.

May 5- A Day To Remember

Thursday, May 5 was a day of rememberance. It was another day that offered the opportunity to realize there's truly a God who carefully has fashioned each one of His children's lives. While we are still able to make decisions, whether good or bad, there is one remaining statute. It is this~ that no matter what we choose, if we have placed our lives in God's hands, He will confirm our good choices, and mercifully take our bad ones and carry us through to the other side where we can see that God is sovereign.
It was amazing to see how many people spent their lunch hour in a church sanctuary today to lift up prayers for our nation, our world's conditions, and for the millions around the world who suffer from pain, hunger, disease, and poverty.
Our country has seen prosperity for the last 50 years. Yes, we have had set backs, but for the most part, there has been a safety net to catch us from falling into the depths of dispair that most of our globe has not been spared. Although our nation was founded on Godly principles, they have sadly, begun to disappear. Each day in our news, there are stories of yet another lawsuit against those who simply want to acknowledge their creator.
There is something very terrible about a nation who thinks they can handle themselves much better without acknowledging the God who created them. It is such as a young child who ignores the instruction of his parent not to cross the street when the endless stream of speeding cars buzz by. It equates to the same thing people do that ignore God's laws. We all are guilty of this very thing. The Bible clearly states "...There is none righteous, no, not one;" Romans 3:10.
So where does this leave us, as individuals, and as a collected people of this country? A place of humility before a righteous God. This is why as Christians, we can boldly come to the throne of God with our sins and pains. God has already provided the bridge to Himself through His Son, Jesus Christ. For if we allow ourselves to admit that we are sinners and ask God to forgive us, He is just and merciful, and extends his love and cleanses us of all unrighteousness. This alone stands as reason to acknowledge and give thanks to God.
Prayer is the channel to God. It is not be be taken lightly that we should obey God's commandment spelled out in Romans 12:12b "...continue steadfastly in prayer."