On fire again

Have you ever gone into prayer feeling like you’ve lost your connection with God? You know He’s present with you, but you also know that no matter how hard you try, you’re not going to feel His presence this time.

You know you have to go through the motions and say the words, and He will still respond. He’s connected to you, whether or not you feel connected to Him. He’s listening and talking and comforting, whether or not you can sense any of these things. Even so, what you know and what you feel are two different things. You feel like nothing you can say or do during this prayer time really matters. And you wish it could be different. You’ve felt so strongly connected before – why not now?

This has happened to me so many times. It’s to be expected; I’m human, and God knows there will be times in prayer that I won’t feel like I’m a part of anything that’s going on. I won’t feel like I’m a part of Him. I know His Holy Spirit will go to work and turn things around. By the end of the prayer session, if I’m not totally fired up and rejoicing as sometimes happens, I’ll at least know I’m closer to feeling connected again. And I’ll know He listened and went to work in me, regardless of how I felt.

That knowledge doesn’t make the moment less frustrating, less disheartening. It doesn’t stop me from wondering what I failed to do, and when. How did I let things get like this? That’s not the point, is it? Our connection with God in prayer doesn’t come from what we do – or don’t do. It comes from Him. Yes, we have to take action and pray. We have to humble ourselves before Him and ask His Holy Spirit to guide our prayers. We have to be willing to participate, even when we don’t feel like we’re really there with Him. But the rest comes from Him.

There’s plenty we do to ourselves during a stressful day or a restless night to work ourselves into knots. To block out His voice, to lose the sense of His touch, to weaken our willingness to trust Him, even though we want to trust Him. But if you’re willing to put yourself before Him in prayer and ask Him, “Why do I feel this way? What do You want me to learn from this? Father, please, make me feel connected to You again. Make me turn myself over to You again” He will take care of everything else.

And – just as you knew would happen – His Holy Spirit will set you on fire for Him again. It might not happen right away, that you know of; but rest assured, it’s happening, and you’ll know soon. It'll be the most honest thing you've ever felt, because you'll know it doesn't come from you; it comes from God. When you get your fire restored and feel a strong connection with the Father, take a quiet moment to thank Him. Then take a moment to realize just how powerful the Holy Spirit is. And how much He loves you.

Fellowship in prayer

Over the past months, I asked God to help me understand fellowship better. He has, in many ways. Among other things, He used my car situation (I didn't have use of my car for many months - a very long story) to show me not only how He can move His Church into action, but also to put me into situations where I could experience many new aspects of Christian fellowship. It's been awesome.

One thing I hadn't thought much about, until today, is fellowship in prayer. It's interesting that one of our associate pastors mentioned just this past Sunday the need for different kinds of prayer, including corporate prayer: praying together as a church body... and as a Church body. All types of prayer are important - prayer time alone, prayer time as a family, prayer time between two prayer partners (whether spoken or silent, whether simultaneous or separate) and prayers together as a group of believers.

I spend most of my time in silent prayer. Silent doesn't mean I'm quiet all the time, or still. But it does mean I plug into God and stay there - I continually ask Him to keep me there; it's certainly not of my own strength that I block out the world's distractions! Even so, this isn't solitary. I call on the Holy Spirit and Jesus; I am in God's presence. I have prayer partners, prayer teams, individuals that I ask to cover me in prayer, particularly in situations where I'm interceding (praying for others). I intercede for others and I ask others to intercede for me. It's not always about asking each other; God also calls people to intercede for us - some of these people we know, others we don't; they're obedient to God's prompting to pray for a stranger, someone who might not have a face or name to them. Clearly, even when I'm by myself praying at 4am in the corner of my living room, I'm not alone. There's always a crowd!

But I had never really looked at this as a kind of fellowship. Not until today. As I prayed for someone this morning, I became aware of a strong connection among so many people - the individual I was praying for, loved ones of that person, along with others who are praying for them and those they are praying for, my own loved ones, others I am praying for, those who are praying for me (to cover me as I intercede for this person, and in general), intercessors I know, intercessors I don't know (people the Holy Spirit has prompted to join us in these prayers), my church family, others in our Church family throughout the world... I felt the presence of everyone, interconnected, strong, supporting, standing firm in their faith and belief, in their desire to invite God in, to let His will be done and glorify Him in all that He is doing in this one individual's situation and life.

All of us together, interconnected in our faith, around one individual, so that God could do His work here. God orchestrated the whole thing. He does it in every single situation of intercession and corporate prayer. That's how much He loves each one of us and wants to be part of our lives. Wants to work His will in our lives so that we can be eternally part of Him. Wow.

I talk a lot about prayers in The Vine. This is an image God continually gives me in prayer, and today, that image became more visible, more tangible for me. Have you ever participated in a group prayer where everyone stands around the person being prayed for? Perhaps each person places a hand on that individual's shoulder, or on the shoulder of the person in front of them, or hands on top of hands, or hands raised over the individual being prayed for, or over the group. Layer upon layer of contact, connection, prayer, love. All part of The Vine.

That's the way my prayer time was today. I was praying alone, silently, and yet I sensed my hands on the shoulders of the person I was praying for; many other hands on top of mine - on my shoulders too. Hands raised over us; others approaching, moving in to join us. At the same time, all of us reaching out in other directions to cover others in prayer and intercession. God's Holy Spirit connecting us all. Though I was in complete isolation, at an hour when my nearest neighbors (not so nearby) weren't even stirring, I wasn't alone. Not even close. Prayers in The Vine.

Prayers through The Vine

This morning when I was in prayer, God prompted me to do something that was new for me. He had me pray for my former classmates from elementary school. This wasn't prompted by my focus on an individual, as often happens during prayer. Instead, He had me recite names, one by one, as they came to mind. For some, I saw their faces clearly; others remained names that I barely recognized, although I knew they were once familiar.

As I recited each name, I prayed for God's blessings on each individual. I'm young enough that most of my former classmates are probably still living, but my prayers of blessing extended to their families as well. As certain names came to mind, I felt God's Holy Spirit working in me, moving strongly into their lives and situations. I don't know whether it was the individual or someone in their family that needed intercession; I don't know if they needed prayers for this moment, for a future situation or to heal an old wound. I don't need to know; God knows, and I trust Him in all things.

I also don't know if God will ask me to continue to pray for this community tomorrow, or at a future time... or to pray for another community from my past. I sense that certain names will stay on my heart for a while in intercession, as God leads. Perhaps other names will come to mind or be placed on my heart. By prompting me to pray in this way, God has opened me to greater understanding of how He works in our lives. I believe each time we learn to pray in a new way, we open ourselves to hearing God more clearly, to understanding our relationship with Him more deeply.

Through this experience, I also gained a new understanding of fellowship and outreach. So many of us want to reach out to the lost of this world; we also want to minister to brothers and sisters in the faith, to strengthen, comfort and encourage. The need seems overwhelming at times. We can't reach everyone - not by ourselves and not even together, without God. But by trusting Him and praying in His will, we can walk out our part in His plan.

While I might have known, as children, some of the individuals I prayed for, I don't know who they are today. I don't know where or how they live. Some might be in ministry or missions or Christian outreach. Others might be living among the lost - might be lost themselves. God has a plan for each of them; by praying, I can support His work in their lives. One of the names on my heart might be a missionary through whom God is changing lives. Another name might be someone living among the lost, someone who God is about to turn around and anoint to bring more of His lost children back to Him.

We can't reach everyone through our daily efforts; but through prayer, God can reach everyone through us. Each of us is part of The Vine. Some parts are well nourished; others are dying - they've cut themselves off from the Source of nourishment. It's through our prayers that God can send His nourishment to every fiber of The Vine; to strengthen us in our faith; to bring others into His Light. When you think of how many ways you can connect with others through The Vine, and how many ways God can work through you to send His nourishment and Light, you will start to understand the awesome power of prayer.

Praying the future of a community

Until today, I didn't realize what a blessing it is to pray for the future of a community - whether it's a new community, one that's experiencing growth, one that needs rejuvenation, or one that's doing great the way it is.

I've missed a lot of opportunities on this. I used to work in community building; that was my academic field and I loved the fieldwork. I spent time with communities in Russia that were going through growing pains. Also here in the States, particularly the rebuilding of downtown NYC after 9/11. For a while, I was involved in community issues in Chattanooga, a community with so much potential and so many people who really care; but also a place that's about to spin off its axis.

While I pondered the ins and outs of community building, tried to understand the different networks of relationships, worked hard to get people involved and interested and encouraged about the future, and fought for the rights of those who were hurting within the community... did I ever take time to pray for each community's future?

Not really.

Sure, I prayed about the different things the community was facing; I prayed for people who were going through hardship; I asked God over and over why things had to be so tough, or why plans and vision couldn't come together more quickly, or why there was always so much opposition.

But I never just sat still and focused my prayers on the work God planned to do within the community: its foundation, its future, the building and strengthening of relationships within, the moments and events - big or small - that would touch individual lives, all because they were a part of the community. I never just invited God into the community to do His work, to create His foundation for the future.

He sees and knows the future of every community. Our prayers today allow Him to come into our presence and work His will.

Perhaps it's a new community, like the virtual community we're growing in Music 423. Thousands of people will become a part of this community in the future; we don't know who they are, where they will come from or how their participation in the community will change lives. But God knows, and it's our prayers today that will make His Holy Spirit such a vibrant part of the community in the future. It was spending a few hours in prayer for the Music 423 community today that made me realize what a blessing it is to pray for the future of a community.

Think about something good that's happened in your community, whether it's the town where you live, an organization you belong to, a church community... Think about a moment when you really felt God at work, in a huge way. Do you realize the prayers that brought the Holy Spirit into your midst might have started well before that moment? It might have been fervant prayers offered by a group of individuals 100 years ago that invited God to do something He accomplished in your church this week.

Keep that in perspective as you take time to pray about the future of the communities you belong to. I promise, you will feel incredibly blessed. Making those heartfelt spiritual connections with people you don't know and might never know personally; being spiritually a part of an event you might never witness in person; trusting God and letting Him work through your prayers to carry out plans only He knows... you will come away from your prayer time filled with the Holy Spirit and Christ's love.

Praying in the crossfire... and before

Yesterday was a glorious day. A Spirit-filled church service, followed by a drive out to the mountains of Clayton, Georgia for the annual district meeting of the United Methodist Women. Beautiful fall weather; great fellowship.

What a perfect day. Is it any surprise Satan chose that evening to slam me with two spiritual attacks?

Satan thinks his timing is clever. He messed up on this. Jesus moved in like a flash, both times, to get me through it. Why? Because I called out to Him immediately, trusted Him, and I prayed for those Satan was working through to get at me. They, in turn, became sources of strength when God moved powerfully within them.

Satan works overtime, looking for opportunities not just to attack, but also to distract. It's often the minor distractions where he is more successful, and for longer periods of time. When that doesn't work, he gets impatient and pulls out the big guns. He's efficient too: he will find a way not only to distract or discourage you, but to use others around you as well; it's his way of stopping the work God is doing in their lives too.

When it's those you love, it hurts. But it's also easier in those situations to pray for mutual forgiveness and Heavenly protection of your relationship. If you're prepared; if you pray in advance for God to intervene in those moments; if you pray intensely for your loved ones and the work God is doing in their lives; if you pray for God to urge you into prayer in those moments of attack, when you need His intervention... you will get through them quickly, and so will your loved ones.

What happens when Satan uses a stranger against you, or someone you don't find it as easy to love? It's no different: Prayer is the answer. Jesus tells us to pray for those who persecute us. (Matthew 5:44) I used to think this meant specific prayers for specific people. While I do pray specifically, I also believe in more open prayers for those around us, those we interact with in passing. If we know we are going to be out in the world, ministering to others in whatever way God has called us to build His Kingdom on a daily basis, we need to cover our activities in prayer.

As we do the work God has called us to do, we don't know who we will meet, or how they will react to us. But we do know Satan is working overtime among all of us. The more we work to build God's Kingdom, the more diligently Satan looks for ways to attack; if he can attack us in clusters, in one moment, so much the better for him.

What does that mean for us? The stranger who reacts most intently against you might be the one God is closest to reaching. The very moment of attack might be the moment God breaks through to them. They need your prayers. The situation needs your prayers. You need your prayers. God wants your prayers. Don't wait for that moment. Pray now and every day for those you will move among in this world.

Yesterday, we had a soloist in church who sang "People Need The Lord." You'll find the lyrics of this song many places. Read them, especially "On they go through private pain, Living fear to fear; Laughter hides the silent cries Only Jesus hears. People need the Lord..." (Phil McHugh, Greg Nelson, © 1983 Shepherd's Fold Music). Our pastor mentioned the song again in his sermon.

I knew God was speaking to me through those lyrics, even before I came under attack. So I wasn't surprised when this morning, I read the same lyrics again in The River Of God by Dutch Sheets. Talking about the great thirst in this world that only Jesus can satisfy, Sheets writes, "Don't let them fool you with their seeming disinterest" (p. 55, Renew Books 1998).

Remember, that disinterest, that facade, that antagonism does not come from God. But He will use it, as He uses everything, to reach a person, to let them know He paid for their sins, and to invite them to an abundant life here on earth and the joy of eternal life with Him. People, indeed, need the Lord, and they need your prayers.

When Satan seems to be working overtime in someone's life, even if that person is a stranger, realize that Satan might be going nuts because God is about to reach in and pull that person into His light. In that moment, you are in the vicinity - perhaps right in the middle - of a battle with very high stakes. Don't be surprised and don't be unprepared for the crossfire. Stop immediately and cover the situation with your prayers.

Don't wait for that moment, either. Start praying now, that in every situation of attack you encounter, even if you're just passing through, God will speak to you through the Holy Spirit and guide your thoughts, words, actions and prayers. Pray that He will reach in and remind you that what you are witnessing is a battle for everlasting life. A battle - and a war - He has already won.

Father, I thank You that we have Your powerful weapon of prayer, so that we can walk boldly through this world, build Your Kingdom despite the enemy's attacks, and stay connected to You in every moment, through every situation we encounter. You see the big picture, Father. Through prayer, we can see whatever piece of that big picture we need to get through every moment. Though the earth turns upside down, we can walk steady and certain, because You live in us through the sacrifice of Your Son. Through prayer, You renew our minds to accept Your Gift of Sacrifice and Your invitation to eternal life. Remind us, Father, to pray not just in moments of battle, but also to prepare for battles to come, knowing that You have already won the Final Victory. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.

Prayers along the baseboard

I'm too tired to write much tonight. Worked late last night, up early this morning, and out all evening with my church group. But I made a commitment to write here every day, so here I am. And I do want to make an observation about prayer from my experience this evening.

I was with a group from church, painting the inside of the new church building we're expanding into. Of course, it was a fun experience, and it's great to see the new building take shape. More than that, it was another reminder of the importance of prayer.

There I was, brushing white paint along the baseboard, trying very hard to stay within the lines. No small feat - I was one of those rebellious kindergartners that always insisted on adding my own outlines and unique shadowing to my crayon masterpieces, much to the dismay of my teachers. But I was doing all right with the baseboard paint, concentrating very hard, thinking about who would walk around in this room years from now, stand there, maybe lean against the wall, share their burdens and joys with each other.

I felt the overwhelming urge to pray.

I had prayed when I first entered the building, prayed as I walked around in each room and looked at the various stages of progress. That wasn't enough. So I started to pray with every brushstroke, breathing the Holy Spirit into the baseboard, up along the doorframe, out into the room. Felt Him sweep through and settle in every corner, permeating the air, filling the place to overflowing with God's love. Every inch, every drop of white. Praying. God's Spirit. Love.

What an awesome blessing to experience God's presence and His love that way. Communing with the Holy Spirit, with people I might not know, might never see. Prayers for comfort, peace, safety, Salvation... praises too... whatever needs and joys will enter that place in future days... lifting them up with every brushstroke. All the way around the room.

The place was already filled with prayer, long before I arrived. The pastors, the congregation... everyone has been praying about this church expansion. The new building - actually an old building, a converted steakhouse - is overflowing with the Holy Spirit.

How wonderful to become a part of that. To lift my silent prayers to God in that loving space. To become one with the Body of Christ. To paint God's love into the room. And to know that the presence of the Holy Spirit will surround all who enter that place in days, months and years to come.

All because of prayer.

Heavenly Father, thank You for the incredible blessings You have given us, including the blessings of church growth and the gift of a new place where we can worship You. Be with Your people as they gather in this new building, and as they reach out into the community and draw others in, closer to You. Fill the place to overflowing with Your love.

Just as we often feel the history of a place, let us pray the future of this church into this new place, that all who walk through the white-trimmed doorways will be filled with Your light and shine brightly for all those around them. Thank You, Father, for the gift of prayer, our connection with You in every moment, every breath of life. Most of all, thank You, Father, for the gift of Your Son, Jesus. It's in His name we pray. Amen.

May God Bless you this evening and always.

God is already listening

I'm a hypocrite. After impressing on my advanced workshop writers the importance of daily blogging, I proceeded to ignore my own blog for what... two months now? Sure, I've got plenty of excuses. Good ones. If I shared even one or two of them with you, your response would be, "Janet, stop beating yourself up."

While I didn't write in this blog over the past two months, and I hardly wrote any devotionals during this tough stretch, I did continue to pray. A lot. And God, in His love and mercy, answered every single prayer.

You know what? Even if I hadn't continued my prayer life the past two months, I could have picked up and started again, right now. Just as I'm starting this blog again.

I know the writers I've lectured to about keeping up with their blogs will forgive me for not keeping up with mine. They're really nice people! Even more so, God forgives us when we forget to communicate with Him. Or when the excuses pile up, and we're so busy dealing with our problems that we neglect to turn them over to The Problem Solver.

The moment we turn our thoughts and words to Him once again, He welcomes us back with joy. Luke 15:20, in my opinion, isn't just about those times when we might wander off to a far country and turn our backs to God. It's for every moment we lose our connection with Him. As soon as we turn back and call out to Him in prayer, the Father runs to us. Arms wide open. Ready to hear us, to respond to our needs, to bless us as His beloved children.

Guess what? He already knows when you are going to bring your heart before Him in prayer. He waits anxiously for those moments - no matter how much time has passed since your last conversation. How's that for unconditional love? Our Father treasures every moment of conversation with you.

When was the last time you had a heart-to-heart with God? It doesn't matter if it's been months, years... or so long you can't recall if or when you had an honest conversation with Him. Talk to Him right now. He's there, listening already.

Just waiting to bless your life to overflowing.