Be cheerful no matter what; pray all the time; thank God no matter what happens. This is the way God wants you who belong to Christ Jesus to live. – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 The Message
“Why must people kneel down to pray? If I really wanted to pray I’ll tell you what I’d do. I’d go out into a great big field all alone or in the deep, deep woods and I’d look up into the sky—up—up—up—into that lovely blue sky that looks as if there was no end to its blueness. And then I’d just feel a prayer.”
― L.M. Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables
As I mull over ideas and words…letting my thoughts flow freely… prayer begins.
Lord, help me….Jesus, Jesus, Jesus…Lord, I know…Each three word prayer, a conversation starter between God and I, opening the door for the real work of worship to begin. Offering his heart as a platform for whatever I have to say – He lets me talk. Then pours his best in spirit, leaving me speechless.
My prayer life has always been this way. Constant. A fluid exchange. A recycling of ideas between my head and heart given life by the giver of life. Every connection, a consecration and invocation. A divine intercession and expression.
This season has been no different, except I’ve taken time to share them publicly. I offer them as holy sacrament to the son who saves. 12 days in and I’m grounded by our correspondence, our prayer dance and whimsical repartee. Our silence. This is our love language. It’s a holy litany and evensong. My heart breaking, for His.
I once thought prayers should follow a format. And made every effort to script the dialogue just right. Each word a step in the dance that leads to what we all want…the applause of an answer. It wasn’t long before I gave up and gave in to the simplicity, the lovely improvisational conversations that ensued…once I stopped trying.
Now?….singing “Whom have I in heaven but You?” He holds my secrets, shares my joy…keeps me laughing. Cradles my heart, lifts my spirit, commiserates with me over the stuff that hurts. All of it. He never misses a beat with my quirky sense of humor. He gives me the words. He pours, anoints, blesses and changes my perspective. I hope we never stop talking. I hope I never stop…listening.
These days I don’t blink an eye without recording it in my heart as evidence of grace poured. Another spiritual nod to the power I see working around me. And so it has become prayer…all of it.. A whisper of hope for help, the deepest expression of gratitude, my love song and devotion.
And God hears.
Let your handmaiden find grace in your sight…#GiveMeGrace
♥
Lisha,
your series on Grounding has so resonated with me, particularly as a dancer…it speaks in one of my love languages…movement. But then, to find words I recognize, sister, you both move and humble me, and I am again blessed by you. Know that although my words have not come regularly, I look forward to writing something weekly about the fellowship of Grace. Thank you friend, for the ways you minister and speak God to me.
In His Love,
Chelle
Chelle recently posted…Sowing…
I always feel your presence Chelle. Midwives of the word do this, I even hear your voice when I write. Cheering me on, pulling me back when necessary. You’re a powerful part of this journey. Happy Sunday!
Lisha, this is so beautiful! “And so it has become prayer…all of it.. A whisper of hope for help, the deepest expression of gratitude, my love song and devotion. And God hears.” Yes, He always hears. I need to remember to pray without ceasing knowing that the communication line to God is always open.
Gayl Wright recently posted…Beauty Can Always Be Found
I just sat down from taking a nice long prayer walk in Lower Manhattan. It’s all prayer Gayl. My response to the architecture, the people I happen to pass, the sounds…the light. Here’s hoping you feel his hand on you today. Always a treat to connect with you here.
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This dance between Father and Child is a beautiful chemistry of heart and soul,giving and taking. We give to Him our hearts and take the burden of His peace upon us as we leave His presence, though we never fully evade that pull to be near to His heart. I love how your words, mulled and flowing freely, demonstrate the love you eagerly seek from heart of the Father who adores you.
Bless you!
Dawn
Dawn recently posted…Leaning Confidently
I’m having an amazing day in His presence Dawn. Dropped off my son for his high school admissions test and spending a little quality time with the one who loves me most. Hope your day is great.
Lisha, I needed your beautiful words today as I have struggled to pray. Thank you for reminding me that it can be as simple as breathing in His name.
Holly Barrett recently posted…Day 26: No one can boast
The inspiration for this series is for me to remember. And I remembering I find prayer a constant. Grateful what He pours blesses you Holly! How was Allume?
Even our sighs and groanings, our three words prayers, our tears, our frustrated “I don’t know what to say”, moves His great heart.
Elizabeth Stewart recently posted…Psalm 117:2…
So grateful for His open ear..his open heart. He listens Elizabeth and I’m glad of it.
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lisha, i loved your post. your comments on prayer are great. i love the way you talk about not sticking to a specific agenda but simply saying what is on your heart. i miss out on so much when i don’t do that!
martha brady recently posted…LOVE COMES FROM GOD…
I can’t think of a better way to do it. Really if it’s going to require something special, I’m likely to not do get around to it. So all prayer, all the time works. happy Sunday Martha.
Lisha, I was so grateful to read your words this morning as I am writing on prayer all month. As I read, I found myself humming a very old song which I probably have not heard in years. I continue to be amazed by God’s grace which brings things back to our minds as needed. One line of the song says …”tears are a language that God understands”. I am so grateful that at times, words are not even needed. All that we bring before His throne, He discerns & makes sense of & responds. Amazing!
Joanne Viola recently posted…Day 26: An Accomplishing Word
And sighs,and pauses and laughter. He is in and understands it all Joanne. What’s the name of the song?
My first time to visit/link up and I am so glad I did. Beautifully written and so encouraging as a reminder to talk with our Savior. God bless!
Carmen Horne recently posted…Will you fight for your family – this is war
Hi Carmen! Thank you for joining us this week.
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Every breath a prayer.
Gorgeous, Lisha. So good. xoxo
Sheila Seiler Lagrand recently posted…Weekend Reflection: A Brother
Every breath. Blessings Sheila.
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Beautiful words and descriptions of your conversations with our Lord… Thanks for sharing your heart. I’ve had a post brewing in my mind on this subject myself and hope to write it soon… so your words drew my heart even more …
Please write that post. god will work in your life and breathe life into your spirit as you pour out the acknowledgment of grace. and link it here when you write it…would love to read it. Happy Monday Pam!
This is beautiful. We did an all night prayer event at church on Saturday where you signed up for 2 hour shifts. We talked about how prayer isn’t rote. I love your thoughts.
Lynne Streeter Childress recently posted…2005 Lynne was Fierce. 2014 Lynne is, too.
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