My favorite way to exalt my Father (God, not Marty) is to pray. I enjoy singing but sometimes I find myself listening to how good I sound instead of paying attention to what I’m saying and who I’m saying it to. Prayer has been for the last year or so the best way for to communicate with God. Our college group at UCC has given me many oppurtunities to go with others and just pray. We have started prayer groups every weekday morning at 7:30 just to meet up and discuss different things to pray for. There have been a few times of prayer that have stood out among all others. There was the group prayer in Panama City, the one in Morrilton, and most recently, at our groups spring retreat. Where we went in Walcott, AR there is a small cliff with a podium and some bleachers that overlooked some very nice scenery. At first I just looked outward to God’s wonderful creation and after that I stood at the podium and pretended to preach to the thousands listening. No, I’m not too old for that. Then, I put my bible down and got up into the bleachers and simply began to pace back and forth. I think it was on the second row and the back board was a little wobly. I don’t know why I remember that. The whole situation just ment so much. It was probably about ten to fifteen feet long. Somehow, this just relaxed me and put me in the mood to talk to my Dad. The prayer was so amazing. I can’t explain how wonderful it is to be left pacing in the presence of God. I pray that as I journey with my Lord and friends and family, maybe, hopefully, the walk will turn into a pace.
Its okay, we all have a kid preacing in us somewhere.
By: neilholman on May 2, 2007
at 3:26 am
I read Dusty’s blog and he referred us over to you guys. I’m so impressed with your spiritual maturity – you’ve grown up to be a wonderful man. I know your parents are proud.
I read your post about not having a ‘past’ that you can use to minister to people. Don’t worry, if God finds ways to take our mistakes and use them to his glory, just imagine what he can do with an exemplary life! Stay humble and continue to follow him, and you will be blessed and be used by God in his service. No doubt about it!
By: Mary L on May 3, 2007
at 6:40 am
I had the greatest thing happen to me two years ago.
I decided to install a hands-free cradle for my cell phone in the car. It didn’t work out and I removed it. What I didn’t know was that I had knocked the fuse loose to my car stereo during the uninstall. What happened next was awesome.
I began praying on my commute to work and then again on the commute home. At first I was rocking with 5 minute prayers. (That’s really long!) By the end of the second week, the prayers were lasting 40+ minutes one way. I arrived at work several times and sat in the car an extra five minutes to finish. My stereo was out for 2 1/2 months so I really got some things off of my chest. I was actually sad the day I found the loose fuse. I began listening to the stereo again, but always make time to say a prayer when I can.
By: Tom on May 3, 2007
at 8:50 pm
It is interesting what puts us into the ‘mood’ to pray. But I do nto regard any of those things lightly. Our hearts are fickle and deceptive. We need to focus on our Abba and any simple device that assists us with that is worthwile. I preach a lot in my car driving down the road. I usually preach sermons I would never preach anywhere … and then I thank God that I did it in my car and not in the pulpit … and ask Him to make my messages His instruments of grace.
By: johndobbs on May 4, 2007
at 4:17 pm
[...] Mason is getting focused on prayer. [...]
By: Rainy Day Reflections « Out Here Hope Remains on May 4, 2007
at 5:00 pm