When and Where to Pray
Pastor Dave has been asking for people to give him feedback on “when,” and “where” they pray. My “when.” and “where” is early morning, in bed. I begin with coffee (mainly because I have trouble talking or listening to anybody without it). After my Bible reading and coffee time, I sit and “stare out the window.” That’s my way of saying I get still and quiet and listen to both my thoughts and the promptings of the Holy Spirit. It’s a precious, and often powerful time in my life. After this, I begin to pray very specifically. I don’t always pray for the same people or circumstances, although I try and keep a record of requests, needs, and praises from our church and other relationships in my life.
Another “when,” and “where” that occurs at least four times a week, if not five is my mountain walk. It takes about an hour from my apartment door, to the Buddhist temple and back. I usually take our little dog, and focus on a good work out. More times than not, I take my IPOD and although the music is usually playing quite loud, believe me the Holy Spirit is very clear and easy to understand on these walks. I cannot begin to describe all the things I hear during this time. Many times my Sunday message just “comes together” during these walks. Other times I receive burdens for people who I may not have been in touch with for a long time. Sometimes these lead to emails or facebook messages and open doors for ministry to lost friends, or former church members who are struggling with any number of things in their lives. It’s a precious time with the Lord, and I find that without it I am less fit spiritually and physically.
Here’s a “when,” and “where” that just happened. In our home, I am the official dish washer. I also cook most of the meals, if you can believe that! The fact is that I have more time at home than Sherri, because of my study. During study breaks, I wash dishes, clean, and get things ready for our evening meal. As I was washing the dishes this afternoon I became very aware of the words of Jesus spoken in Matthew 7:2 where he says, “For in the way you judge, you will be judged; and by your standard of measure, it will be measured to you.” The truth is that our attitudes toward others, how we treat them, whether or not we give them the benefit of the doubt when we are uncertain about their motives, or hearts — these things come back to us. I don’t pretend to understand all that our Lord is saying in this verse, but I believe strongly that this is a truth that effects the lives of every one of us. As we practice grace, mercy, compassion. love, and forgiveness these things come back to us. They often come back through the people on whom we have bestowed these things. Sometimes they come from others who we may, or may not know. The fact is, our “measure” comes back to us. I believe this is true in relationships between spouses, parents and children, friends, work associates, and even strangers.
Hope this helps, Pastor Dave. I look forward to hearing your sermons in May.
In Christ,
Pastor Dan
[...] When and Where to Pray Pastor Dave has been asking for people to give him feedback on “when,” and “where” they pray. My “when.” and “where” is early morning, in bed. I begin with coffee (mainly because I have trouble talking or listening to anybody without . [...]
My wife was always talking about the power of prayer walks. This is something that I had not done too often but I felt strongly led to spend more time in prayer. For the past week I’ve been talking to God while I walk the dog and it’s amazing how God mOves from just a simple prayer.