Adventure of prayer.
Don't you love that phrase?!
My friend, Debbie, sent me an email recently in which she used that phrase. I had shared a prayer request with her, and then I shared how God had unexpectedly answered it.
She praised Him with me, using this phrase.
I loved it.
I was reminded of times in my life when I was so scared, and so elated – all at the same time – that I thought I just might pass out!
Riding a roller coaster – and then doing it again backwards.
Taking off in a jet.
Riding a jet ski in the ocean – way too fast.
Hanging over the front end of a boat as it flew across the open sea.
Getting married.
Having a child – and doing it again.
The parachute ride at Knott's Berry Farm.
The Matterhorn at Disneyland.
The Tower of Terror at Disney World.
Learning how to drive a stick shift.
A bumpy jeep ride in the mountains of Colorado.
Looking into the Grand Canyon.
Public speaking.
My list could go on and on. Moments when there was possible danger, potential bad outcomes – and yet, a serious feeling that I was really alive!
Doesn't that sum up prayer?
Real, scary, alive prayers??
Prayers that hold on to God with white knuckles. Prayers that have outrageous faith. Prayers that trust Him beyond all reasoning.
I like adventures.
So what keeps me from grabbing on to God like this?
I guess I also like security and control – Hmmm…
Can the two go hand in hand?
No, not really.
But, I can go hand in Hand with God!
So, here's to letting go and holding on for dear life!
Here's to being scared and elated – all at the same time!
Here's to faithful prayer – in spite of possible danger and potential bad outcomes!
Here's to the Adventure of Prayer!
BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"
Hi Sharon -
ReplyDeleteHow interesting that you posted on prayer today. Yesterday I considered doing another post on it or re-posting one that I had already done on prayer. The Lord didn't lead me though... It wasn't time...yet.
Then I came here and read this. It is so great when our Lord puts the same things on the minds of His children.
Prayer from pure hearts is such a delight to our Lord. Communion with Him is so precious and to be treasured. Daniel prayed on his knees three times a day. The Holy Bible has so much that moved GOD through prayer. GOD has not changed - pure and sincere prayers still delight and move Him.
Daily prayer is vital to express love and loyalty to our Lord. It is vital, also, in spiritual warfare. May we all continue to recognize how essential daily prayer is for rich relationships with GOD.
Amen to prayer, Sharon! Life is an adventure, without prayer I don't think life to me would have too much meaning. It is the very essence of staying in communication with the one who knows us the best!
ReplyDelete(are the parachutes still at KBF?)
I hope the day is a good one for you!
betty
Last night I experienced this time of prayer...again and realized how much I miss it. The person said back to me, "Don't do what is comfortable....be BOLD!" What is comfortable is usually sin and being Bold is in obedience to Him....WOW!! That sends you on an adventure.
ReplyDeleteI am on the adventure of prayer...good post for National Day of Prayer...going to move outside my comfort zone and join prayer warriors at the county courthouse steps...thanks for the nudge
Wonderfully written, Sharon!
ReplyDeleteI like how you compare it to dangerous little adventures from your life. That stick shift one would be one of my most dangerous. I'm ashamed to say that I didn't persevere in that adventure.
But I WILL persevere in the adventure of prayer.
Oh Sharon I love this! Adventure of Prayer... what a PERFECT quote!!!
ReplyDeleteI am learning to love the adventures God has planned for me. He always amazes me!!!
Oh, I like that. The adventure of prayer. Had my own adventure just this morning. Can't wait to post it, but it will have to wait til next time. Every day is an adventure in God's Kingdom!
ReplyDeleteI love your periods of life that you were scared and how he was there with you.
ReplyDeleteThis is kind of morbid - but he will be with us in death too!
sandie
Sandra - Well said. I am trying to make my prayer life with God more honest and real. I'm trying to include more worship and gratitude. And I am realizing that God is right there, communing with me. Yes, I like how you said that prayer expresses our love AND loyalty to God. That's what I want to do.
ReplyDeleteBetty - I like how you said that prayer is the very essence of staying in communication! YES! How often the enemy tries to fool us into thinking that God isn't there, He doesn't care - and how he works to keep us from speaking with the Almighty! I think the enemy knows that there's tremendous power in prayer. That's why he tries to keep us from it. (Actually, it's been ages since I went to KBF - and I think the parachutes were gone...)
Janette - There are some things going on in my life right now that require some "white knuckle" prayers. I've almost been afraid to pray them. Crazy healing, or a stubborn loved one's salvation - I've held back because I don't want to be disappointed. However, I'm with you, I'm going to start praying BOLD, and let God do whatever He deems is best!!
Debbie - Thanks, friend. Ah, so you're still an automatic gal, huh?? Thank you for the email you sent that prompted this post. It has made me think deeply about my prayer life. I'm going to sit next to you on this ride - OK? And I might even ride this roller coaster with my hands up in the air!! WHEEEEE...
Alisa - He is an amazing God! And that's why I want to believe bigger things. I know He can - and I know He will, in His way, in His time. He can change anything, but even if He doesn't, I will still praise Him and pray to Him.
Debby - It's a crazy ride, this journey of faith! It's up and down, happy and sad - but how grateful I am that I am never alone. He is right there, through every scream and laugh I utter!
Sandie - I'm actually glad you said that. Because, if there's one scary ride I'm afraid to take, it would be that final ride of death. But you're so right - He's right there for that one, too - whispering in our ear, "It's OK. I've got this one covered. Just hold on to Me for dear Life!!"
GOD BLESS!
I just love your examples...sometimes I think we were separated at birth! (-:
ReplyDeleteAnita - I asked my mom, she was a little cagy about it!! Maybe we're fraternal twins!! :) I had so many other examples - but you'd probably guess those, too! Love that we can laugh and pray together! Have a wonderful Mother's Day!
ReplyDeleteGOD BLESS!