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.