Prayer: The Gate

I overheard several conversations yesterday while at the grocery store.  A couple of young men (one with a wife and new baby) were talking about needing jobs as they had been out of work for a while.  I also have 4 friends trying to sell houses and properties. 

I would like for us all to pray for people to find great jobs with wonderful pay.  Also let’s pray for property to sell at the asking price. 

Father God, we ask for your rich and wonderful blessings for people everywhere.  Let those who need work, find it.  Let property be released and sold at asking price.  We thank you for answered prayer.  We thank you for hearing us, caring for all of us, and for guiding and directing us.  Amen

 

Willows bent and shaped

In our minds we work it all out.  Sometimes being flexible and open to other ideas can be better.  It seems that some folks are quite rigid while some are like cooked spaghetti and all over the place.  Which one are you?  Are you something in between?

The Unity Minister Catherine Ponder always suggests we ask that God’s unlimited good will be done in our lives in prayer.  Also when we ask for something specific, to say “This or something better, Father”.  In this way we are not limiting God.  I do ask for very specific things  when I pray and don’t usually add the qualifier.  In the Lords prayer it does state “Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done.”  You hear people say, “God willing”.

Holy and powerful God.  I would open my heart and mind today to the unlimited good you have for my life.  I am grateful that you care so much for me and your blessings for my life are far greater than I can even imagine. Let me be flexible and able to bend without breaking.  Shape my life.  Amen

Off road testing in Stucksville

Sometimes you feel stuck.  Where is the hope and joy?  How do we make a change where each day is filled with excitement and possibility?

My friend Aaron recently purchased a used jeep.    He was so happy to get this jeep.  Once you have a vehicle capable of going off road, it must be tried out.  The following photo is the result of the off road test.  It had been raining hard at the time of the incident and the soil is expansive clay. I have driven several jeeps over the years and sometimes you go to Stucksville.  Even if you tell yourself you won’t. (more…)

Amazing God, I stand in awe of the beauty around me.  The wonders you have created and the joy I feel  in my journey.  The new work week is at hand, and I ask for guidance and divine order as each task gets done.  Thank you for being with all of us this week.  Thank you for meeting our needs.  There is more than enough time, money, compassion, grace and joy.  Amen

Summit of Pikes Peak 6-7-09

Isaiah 54:4  When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you.  When you walk through the fire you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.

In the movie “Kingdom of Heaven” the lead character Balian of Ibelin has lost his wife to suicide and later his newly found father dies.  Balian declares a couple of times in the film that God no longer knows him, or has forsaken him.

There are times we all feel that way.  I went through a year where events included  the death of 5 family members and the end of my Children’s Music business.  I was sure God had revoked my calling and forgot completely that I was here.  My guardian angel may have stepped out for a smoke.  Something unexplained happened!  I could hardly get out of bed in the morning.

It was time for a new part of my journey.  It was extremely difficult to go on without my family.  It was hard to say goodbye to a job I loved.  What I found later was that God was there all along.  I could not feel the presence of the Spirit of God within me.  I think I abandoned God.  If he loved me, how could all this have happened?

In deep sadness it is difficult to concentrate in prayer.  I should have sought out prayer partners to help me through. I would like people to pray today for those who feel forsaken and without hope.

Merciful God, We know the Spirit of God dwells within each of us.  We always have your protection available to us.  All we need to do is ask.  So we are not poor, nor are we abandoned.  Life may not always be fair and circumstances can be difficult, but with you God all things are possible.  Even a terrible condition can be changed and used for good.  We can call upon your strength to make it through the storms that life sends.   Thank you for being our God and our rock and our strength.  We are not defenseless.  You are our defense and our deliverance now.  Amen

Redeeming God, you bring life out of dead ends, and hope in the midst of despair. Let us hear your voice and your word.  May we listen and be open and receptive. Re-energize our lives as we follow into greater paths of ministry and compassionate service. God, fill our hearts with love and peace.  Renew our spirits this day.  Amen