The Dangers of Prayer

   

     Sometimes I can get snug and comfortable in my Christianese bubble and forget that all things spiritual may not resonate or be well received with every single person I come in contact with. Which is always shocking to me, because, the love, joy, peace and adventure that I get to experience on a daily often takes my breath away, and I have a hard time understanding why someone would be completely shut off to its possibilities.

     Yes, we're all aware of how quickly people might get offended, even with the best of intentions and a solid heart behind our actions.

    And today, I was reminded of the turbulent territory of spirituality and how it can effect our encounters with people.

     I'm convinced that people to react to spirituality in 1 of 4 ways.

1. With Joy - Treating it as if it were an adventure and a fun new relationship to explore.
2. With Confusion - Because, if you can't see it, then it can't be real.
3. With Anger - Because religion has been known to cause horrific wars throughout the world and countless injustices throughout the centuries.
4. With Fear - Like watching a weird horror movie at night, it just gives you the heebee geebies.

     But I'm most fascinated with #4 today.

     It's true that we often fear the unknown or what we have yet to fully understand.

     So I was talking to a friend (#1) today, who told our other friend (#2) that I had been praying for them. Friend #2 has known me for years and knows that I'm a church girl that loves Jesus. And that I pray. And not just to bless my food. But you know, praaaaaaaaay.

     But when Friend #1 told Friend #2 that I was praying for them, their first reaction was, "Oooo, that sounds a little scary." And then proceeded to shudder.

     Which then made me think, what exactly does Friend #2 think I do when I pray for them. Some seance of sorts in the forest in a white robe?

     Wait. Let me pause.

     In case you're reading this, and you've never prayed or had someone pray for you, let me just say this. Prayer at its most basic, is talking to God, sharing our hearts, our hopes, our areas of need. It involves speaking and listening. It may seem super, super awkward at first, but the more you exercise that spiritual muscle, the more and more natural it becomes.

      Okay, so back to Friend #2. I was surprised at their reaction. But not shocked. What Friend #2 was beginning to experience, is what I like to call "The Tug". When God is so tenderly, so sovereignly, calling out to you  and calling you higher. Calling you to look beyond the things you can see, beyond the temporal, to something greater. Because deep in your heart, you know that this isn't all there is.

     It's almost shocking, a bit disorienting, and often offensive to your brain. Because all you've ever known is being challenged -- it's all being rocked.

     I, myself have seen some crazy beautiful things happen as a result of prayer. And if I told you half of my stories, you'd probably never believe me.

     And that's okay.

     But just as a heads up, the truth is often shocking, and almost always stranger than fiction.

     I know now more than ever that prayer is truly dangerous. It can heal the sick. It can comfort the broken hearted. It can release peace. And it can bring someone into a deep relationship with God. I am still in awe at how faithful He is to reveal Himself to us, in so many different ways through prayer. Just ask Him, you'll be surprised in the ways in which He answers.

Wisdom's Knocking:

“Let us never forget to pray. God lives. He is near. He is real. He is not only aware of us but cares for us. He is our Father. He is accessible to all who will seek Him.” 

 ― Gordon B. Hinckley

When You Pass a Test

Photo Credit: Me

     Not surprising. Weeks after writing a series on Jealousy and Contempt, I was tested by these very foes. How would I respond to this gang? Would I run in fear. Would I be paralyzed by fear? Would I yell at them and throw my purse up in the air and try to create some awkward diversion. Or would I try to bargain with them for my life.

     But somehow, instinctively, I knew this was a simulation.

     How does one pass a test?

     You study.

     And say a prayer.

     I have been wrestling these past few weeks, with my "Non-existent" Crush. So much so, that at one point, one guy that I work with, who thinks that I have a boyfriend--of which I have not corrected him of this thought, asked me in cold blood, "How's Mr. Lucky?"

     You all already know what I said.

     I chuckle and say, "He's good."

     I know. I'm horrible.

     My next blog post will simply deal with the topic of:  "How do you reject someone without 'rejecting' someone?" I'm horrible at this, and I tend to skirt around the issue or as you know. Straight up, lie. Ugh. This is no good.

     That seems to be my go-to. Coupled with the fact that I wear a ring on my 'wedding' finger.

     But as corny as this sounds, I feel as though my heart is already taken. I just don't know by who yet. But I'll know when I know. Until then, God is keeping a close eye on my heart and the ring is dedicated to my commitment to Him.

     But I did have this re-occurring thought this past week: "I miss my husband."

     I know. I'm not married. Not dating anyone. But nevertheless, I miss him.

     And then Jealousy and Contempt started taunting me. "You're nothing without us. You know you want back in. Give up this good girl crap. You know you miss us."

     What does one do to pass a test?

     You study.

     And you say a prayer.

     I'm still wrestling a bit with my feelings about "Him". But at the same time, there's something beautiful that's happening in the wrestling. I'm learning.

     So today, I passed a test.

     Where I would have normally jumped to the worst of all conclusions, screamed Bloody Murder, and "How dare you disrespect me!" I paused. I now knew that those responses were products of my previous covenants with Jealousy and Contempt.

     But this time, I would take a bite of one of the "Fruit(s) of the Spirit--Patience".

     I was once told by a very wise older woman that "Patience was somethin' the Devil couldn't cultivate. But when you've chosen patience, you've made a pathway, like a fresh stream of water through a desert, to reach you straight from God to bring forth the very thing that you need the most."

     What do you do to pass a test?

     You study--patiently.

     You pray--talking to God while in the test, no matter how hard it gets and how uncomfortable you feel.

     And know that everything is going to be absolutely alright even when everything feels all wrong at the moment.

     --And that is when Jealousy and Contempt disappeared right before my eyes, like an old magic trick. Only leaving a billowing cloud of smoke where they once stood.

     And I found myself full of hope.  Not necessarily knowing all the answers, but enough to pass this distinct test.


     And that is how I passed a test.

Wisdom's Knocking:

If at first you don't succeed, try, try, try again.

Tender Mercies

Photo Credit: Nicole LeBoeuf

     I am experiencing a personal revival of sorts. It feels lovely. And the more I make myself vulnerable in the context of this personal revival, I feel full of life and peace.

    Do you have those days, when you can feel people praying for you? To some of you, that may sound like absolute Sci-Fi craziness, but it's not a foreign concept to everyone.

     I get into these seasons of life, where I become very aware that I am not able to carry the burden of expectations, dreams, desires, etc. all on my own. And it's as if a gust of wind blows the heaviness of my own thoughts away. It's grace in true operation.

     I can feel the prayers of loved ones over my life. Especially today.

     It's also amzing to me, that we will most likely never meet all the people that have taken the time to lift burdens off of us through the power of prayer. I have no doubt that someone is praying for you today, with a love and passion straight from heaven.

Wisdom's Knocking:

Prayer changes things.