When God first drew me to Bible study curriculum, I had no thought of ever having an office or even a “ministry.” I fell in love with Scripture at my old dining room table in my late twenties after taking a Bible doctrine class. Over the course of weeks, months and then years, that table was bow-legged and piled halfway to the ceiling with resources, pages, colored pens. It hardly ever had an actual meal set on it. If folks needed to eat, I reasoned, they could eat at the breakfast table. My man got so weary of book-tyranny that he practically did a cartwheel in his cowboy boots when I found a tiny office space at a nearby building that we could (barely) afford.
Over the years and one wonderful person at a time, God built a true team and led us from that office building to our own (house-like) ministry building. (Only about 14 of us work in-office, in case you’re trying to picture the size.) One of my very favorite parts about working here amid these fine women of God is lunch conversation. We have staff prayer time on Mondays at noon so, between the other four workdays a week and my travel schedule, I usually average about 2-3 lunches a week with these dear sisters, ranging in age, in background and denomination. But those times are highlights for me and we talk a hundred miles an hour and, many times, laugh a creak in our necks. Occasionally at lunch I throw a topic out on the table and hold a mental bucket wide open to catch what tumbles out of my coworkers mouths. If Curtis happens to be at lunch that day, it’s even better. He is man enough and opinionated enough to provide a welcome shore for this sea of estrogen. Today there were only 6 of us girls so, late in the lunch, I said to them, “OK, I have a question for the table.”
I told them about one of my LPL praise team members showing me some writings that his new wife had done (with her permission, of course). They were psalms, really. Gorgeous outpourings of love and need and wrestling and waiting that she’d written to God over the course of what I’d suppose was a decade. The book was compiled from portions of her prayer journal and, as I read them, I marveled at the beauty and almost blushed at the intimacy. One thing was certain: Jesus was and is the uncontested love of her life. And, from her husband’s point of view, he was twice as loved and blessed because he was second to God (and God alone).
Reading her journal stirred up a fresh longing in me. I know a woman who poured out pages and pages and pages like that. No, not as beautifully most of the time, but often as intimately. Jesus has been life to me. Redemption from wreckage. I know He has been the same to many of you. But here is the conflict her journal whipped up in me. In many of those extended periods of time when I’ve poured out my heart like that days-upon-end, I was going through extreme crisis and marrow-deep healing. (One season was as recently as nine months ago so, certainly, not all of these are in the past.) In my normal practice when I’m not in complete crisis mode, my sweetest and dearest relationship in life is still with Jesus. Even in all my frailty and fallenness, He is how I start my day. I always make confession of sin toward the beginning, get into His Word then pray for myself for several minutes right at the end but, in between, Girlfriend, I HAVE A LIST! I mean, mature believers are meant to have healthy intercessory lives, right? The New Testament summons us over and over to pray for one another. I keep a prayer journal of intercession with multiple people on it everyday. And, then, all these natural disasters! We have to be on our faces, don’t we? And, what about the spiritual condition of this country?? It needs prayer, doesn’t it? “If My people who are called by My Name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face…”
Yes and yes and yes and yes and yes, yes, yes, yes, YES. BUT, we will miss out on the new wine of life if we do not also spend time in the presence of Jesus just simply being present with Jesus. Most things don’t fix on their own. We don’t automatically forgive on our own. Or heal on our own. Or put others first on our own. Or discern between good and evil on our own. Or comprehend the Scriptures on our own. We are the children of God and our hearts need tending and mending that only He can bring. And, in our intercessory roles, we’re also wise to come to grips with the fact that we’re not in control and our whole worlds won’t fall apart if we don’t get through our lists today.
SO, here’s the question! How do we balance both kinds of prayer: for others and for ourselves?? How do you grapple with this dilemma? Most of the time, I let crisis be my guide and when I need more personal tending, I spend more personal time with God on matters concerning my own heart. I think that’s a good plan and it’s worked fairly well for a long time. But, then, I read something like that young woman’s journal and I long for that level of personal intimacy with Christ every single day. Anybody else?? I know there’s no getting this thing down pat but I think I need some shifting and sifting in my prayer life.
We had the richest conversation over it at lunch time and now I’d love to hear your take on it. So far from our conversation, I think I’ve decided that I’m going to stay with my usual early morning prayer-practice with the primary emphasis on intercession for most days a week, but, at least for a little while, I’m going to take two mornings back a week, primarily just for Him and me. Times just to bring my own needy heart before Him with concentration and complete transparency for fresh intimacy and revival. More than the few minutes I spend on other days. Needless to say, this is all subject to the daily leadership of the Holy Spirit and He can turn the whole thing upside down any time He wants but I think I’m about to get that pen back out and write some new love letters to the dearest Love of my life.
Anybody else struggling with how to pray? I’m not talking about formulas here nor doing the same thing the same way every day. I’m just talking about some basic balance. Anybody found some?? Let’s hear it! (Not too long, ladies! Think succinct!) Scripture tells us to encourage one another and stimulate one another’s hearts and minds toward the Lord Jesus. That’s what Siestaville is all about. Don’t freak out if it’s morning before we post many of your comments. Keith just called me and wants me to go somewhere with him this evening so I won’t be able to bring in comments much tonight. I’ll bring in a few this afternoon then K-Mac and I will get the rest of them posted as we can. You are dear to us around here! I missed you at the lunch table today.
P.S. Make me a promise that nobody falls into condemnation here. I am well aware that some of you moms of young children (and some of you caring for elderly parents) are doing well to get ten minutes alone with the Lord. He meets us where we are. Let’s stay healthy here. Let’s also encourage one another to grow in our intimacy with Christ.
My husband and I take turns each night leading prayers for the daily interaction and “yet-to-be saved” family members and missionary friends concerns and praying for our nation’s military and the “peace of Jerusalem”. I used to journal prayers and conversations with the Lord, but I haven’t in a long while. I do miss the intimacy I used to have with Jesus before I married, but really that’s just an excuse. I don’t take the time to press into the heart of my Savior. Your blog has convicted me to see His face and feel His smiling presence again. Thank you for your example through the Siestas all. “Let us encourage one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with our hearts to the Lord” Eph. 5:19
I pray the Lord’s prayer mixed with pleadings for certain situations and issues that may arise during the season. I believe that God will lead you how to pray during that particular season and it changes over time as He grows us up and closer toward Him. I’m in the early elementary stages….
I’ve had a prayer journal ever since I was in grade 8 and I love it, and often write to the Lord initmate things I wouldn’t share with anyone and have been so encouraged to see how God has been so faithful, answered my fears and helped me through many trials, as well as many joys along the way.
One thing that helps me when I feel out of balance is spending sometime quiet. There is so much opportunity to be “plugged in” to the phone, the Internet, t.v., etc. I find that it is very hard to be still but often when I struggle the most in the stillness is where I feel His presence the strongest. The other out of balance indicator for me is how I am reacting to those I live with and love the mostest…if I am gettin’ snarky with them it is definitely time for some Holy Housekeeping!
Oh, Leslie, I love the phrase “Holy Housekeeping.” It brings great mental pictures to mind of sweeping away the cobwebs of a rough day. Thanks.
Any of you rise up out of sleep praying? I do that. It can be discombobulating. I was having a dream one night, in which I was sprinkling the blood of Jesus over things like a priest and my husband, who knew I was in turmoil in my dream, went to shake me awake and I screamed at him: Get behind me Satan!
Now he doesn’t dare shake me awake.
That’s funny, Karen!
I could only wish I could get at least 10min. of prayer times with God. I am in my 50’s, married, have a 21 yr. old son(or will be 21 in June) and feel like satan has taken a great hold on me in the past 8 yrs. In Jan. 2003 I was fired from a job I had for 22 yrs. and from that day forward I have felt like I am a failure. I worked at a University in IN for 22 yrs. and got fired for insobortination (sp). I wouldn’t go talk to a boss because I knew it would do no good to talk with that boss so she fired me. I have worked several jobs in the past 8 yrs. and was off of work for 1 and 1/2 yrs. because of illness and then the recession had hit also. In June 2010 I found my current job which I have to work from 6p.m. til 1a.m. Mon. thru Fri. and some Sat. work. I just don’t feel too close to God anymore and feel He doesn’t listen to my prayers when I pray them. I try so hard to pray for people who are on the list in our church bulletin and people I know from work going through a hard time and other family memebers and friends. I feel I do them more harm by praying for them than anything. I feel really hurt right now. Our quality of life just isn’t what it use to be. My husband lost his best paying job back in 2001 because of that small recession, he has never found a good paying job since. We have had to default on one of our loans on our house. When my son graduated high school I couldn’t even afford to buy him a gift for graduation and didn’t have any money saved for college for him. I just wish things had been a little different then and I really wish they could now. My son has never held a job because he can’t find one here in IN where we live (no one will hire him because he has never worked). He is now sick and has no health insurance so we are having to pay $2,350. for a CT scan he had and have to come up with over $200. by June 16th for his doctor visit. I pray to God but sometimes I really don’t think God is listening to Patty anymore.
Lord, your Word says that your favors are not exhausted, Your mercies are not spent. They are renewed every morning, so great is Your faithfulness. I pray that TODAY Patty would have a greater awareness of your favor, your mercy and your faithfulness to her!
Sweet Patty, I know you feel cornered and as if you are standing at the Red Sea with no way to get across. The only way across is if He parts it.You are desperate and without a plan. God brings us to the end of ourselves so we can get to the beginning of Him. Stand still. He is fighting the battle for you and will deliver you and your family. Don’t worry about praying for others right now. Give yourself grace when you don’t spend chunks of time with the Lord. Pour out your heart all day long…cry, yell, scream if you have to. He is listening and hears every sound you make and breath you take. He hears His precious Patty. He hears the siestas as we cry out to Him on your behalf. You are loved here.
Julia
He is listening Patty and He loves you very much. I am praying for you.
Dear Patty, I echo the others who are praying for you. My heart aches for you and your pain. I will be praying for you too, that you will come to feel Jesus’ loving arms around you. He does hear you, dear siesta, even when it doesn’t feel like it. But I will pray that He makes His presence known to you in a very real way.
Dear Sweet Patty,
God is listening to you and He does love you and your family. Keep seeking Him and His answers and He will open the door! I will pray for you and your family!
Sacha
thank you all for your kind words.
Oh, Patty, I know how you feel. I’ve been there. In fact, I was there very recently, where I felt that God wasn’t providing and didn’t care and in just a few months He’s provided in ways I never would have imagined. I know He will for you, too. Cry out to Him and He will show you things. I know He will! He definitely has me! I want to be faithful next time the storm comes! I don’t want Satan to win in my life and I’m praying you will recognize the Enemy in your life and will get as sick of Him winning as I have! He has no right to control believers and I’m so tired of seeing Him do exactly that, simply because we do not recognize him or know how to fight him! God will show you! Just cry out to Him and expect Him to answer! He will!!! He is faithful! He’s been proving that to me in so many ways I could not even begin to tell you about on this blog, so I know He will answer you and He loves you and hears you!
First off thank you for your honesty. It is sometimes hard to admit that we are in a low place in our lives. My heart aches for you!!
We too have been going thru some tough times and I can relate to alot of what you’ve mentioned. It is hard to wait on God.
But God is with you! He created you, He has a plan and a purpose for you.
Jeremiah 29:11-14
“For I know the plans I have for you.” declare the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,” declares the LORD, “and I will bring you back from capitivity.”
Seek God, He’s there. Cry out to him. He’s listening. And DON’T believe the enemies lies!! Line your home and thoughts with truth. The truth will set you free!
Be honest with God. Tell him your deepest thoughts. Pray for all unbelief to go away and for him to reviel his mighty power. Start a gratitude journal. Write down everything you have to be thankful for. I know sometimes when I start to think about all our problems I get overwelmed and really really down. But when I start thinking of all I have. And all God has done for me. My day turns around. Do something nice for someone else. Even when you really don’t feel like it. You will be surprised at how you will be blessed.
Start a bible study with a group. God wants to work in your life. God will bless you for your faithfullness.
I Peter 2:4 says- rejected by men BUT CHOSEN BY GOD AND PRECIOUS TO HIM.
Praying for you!
Dearest Patty,
I used to comment on this blog but haven’t in awhile because well, frankly there are so many on here that I kind of feel lost in the crowd. But… tonight as I read your comment I had to jump on here to encourage you. I can’t tell you I understand what you are going through but I can tell you that God knows and He understands. You are SO loved. I wish we could have a cup of coffee together. I wish I could send you a check for $2550. I’m praying for you as I close my eyes tonight. I want Him to show up big-time for you and your family! Keep pouring out your heart to Him. He is listening to Patty and I believe He loves your authenticity… so do I. Thank you!
Much love & hugs,
Angie
Patty girl, God listenssss to you, and better yet he know the prayers of your heart you haven’t dared to voice. He knows you. He knows everything about you, these trials you face are the pressure -God allows- to be put on you so that like gold you can be refined. You need to believe that God loves you and is listening to you, the enemy seems to be trying to make you feel your prayers could harm people! Girll that is the farthest thing from the truth!, your prayers to God to help others, helps others! God values prayer like that like incense! Revelation, “Each one had a harp and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of God’s people.” and in psalms 56 it says, “You number my wanderings;
Put my tears into Your bottle; Are they not in Your book?” O sweet Patty he listens, he counts every suffering and every tear. Glory is right around the corner, put your trust in him. This life is a vapor, but eternity is before you and your riches in heaven are not perishable so it is better to be poor on earth and work for the Lord’s kingdom; take your eyes off the perishable and focus on the eternal, and your joy will be irrevocable. At one point my family was bankrupt, and it taught me alot, like no new clothes for the school year, gathering pennies in a house of 5 kids mades me be a humble person, did alot for my character when I was a 13 year old, it was so worth the trial so that I could be close to God today. Be encouraged! He is drawing you in! I think that is what he is trying to teach you through all this. As long as you love God and others its enough, he will provide for you, he will do what he promised in Matthew 6. Much love, M.C.
Oh God, I lift Patty and her family up to you now, in these times it is so difficult at time to see you in our storms, Lord a lot of us have had times when it seems your are silent to us, Lord, Patty needs to know you are there for her, show her You today, bless her with the peace that passes all understanding by enveloping her in You today. I ask this is Jesus Name, amen.
I was just reading the Psalms tonight and felt lead to read LPM blog. Wow…uncanny. I often read the Psalms and then pray the psalms for my life and others as well. I find they are so beautifully written and apply to the circumstances I am praying about.
I have found it hard to make or set time aside. Somedays I have it and some days I don’t.
In the midst of learning how to do that; I have found the Lord teaching me to pray through out the day. When I pause for a moment; when I stop to eat; as I am folding laundry; while taking a coffee break; as I am doing errands. It is short moments of prayer but it’s always there. Throughout my day and in amongst my day. Life is busy and I’m so theankful that the Lord is in the midst of it all. I just pray as I am writing, Dear Lord, please keep me in the center of your will and bless these people on here who love you so dearly. Help us to just be who you created us to be.
There are also four of us who meet Fridays and we started out as prayer and cards (I know..cards right.) Then bible study and prayer and NOW…just prayer!! It is awesome. I call it Friday Night Lights! “Boy oh boy”does the Lord ever light our way!!!
On Beth. I have kept journals for years and then….. Well I haven’t. I was in a retail store and found the cutest journal and was onc e again READY. Then surgery was scheduled ( for today) andLAlSt minute wedding plans for my baby girl…. And here sets my cute journal beside your encouraging note. I’m taking it NOW to bed and write our Father!! Oh, He’s heard from me, but nothing like when I unleash my mind In print!!! The great thing was in my 30’s and now I’m in my 50’s is that I didn’t have to use my sunday best handwriting because it was for God and me only!! Thanks for the encouragement. Here I go….,,,,
Debra from Arkansas
You’ve given me something to ponder for sure. If I’m in my car alone (which is about 1/2 the time) then I’m probably praying. Not sure why God seems to be my focus there but it’s almost like that is our time. I write names, things on the back of my spiral note card for that two week period BUT if there is something particular like a specific day, time, I put it in my Outlook calendar or on my phone or both. This way I’m alerted to stop 15 minutes before and lift them up.
I’m wondering if there is an app for prayer lists. Probably so. This morning (Friday) I’ve been up on my deck since 3 a.m. having coffee and telling God how fantastic His stars look.
Happy Memorial weekend to all, J
Jill, I so appreciate that. For whatever reason, I seem to meet God in my car alot also. (and no, it has nothing to do with my driving skills!) I find myself on long road trips just turning off the radio and talking outloud. Or, if worship music is on, singing and talking to God. We have had some of our best times on the road together. I think it is because He has my undivided attention. I can’t get up and do laundrey, turn on the TV or computer, etc. I am not good at sitting still and am working on it. So, my drive to and from work are my daily prayer time.
Jill, there is an app for prayer list. I think it it called “Prayer List”. I have it on my Ipad. I love it.
First of all, thank you for your P.S. I am a full time working mom. My child is with me all the time I am working as I work with ten other children in my home. I work alone.
I did not marry until I was thirty-one and I did not have my son until I was thirty-eight, so I got used to long, rich Bible study and prayer times. I have really struggled from time to time over the last few years just to fit in ANY time of prayer and Bible study. I get up at 5:00 and go to bed at 10:00 just to get things done and I mean essential things.
I have been doing the Scripture memory team verses and trying to meditate on those and even pray through them some days is the largest part of my time with God. Sometimes I can journal and have a longer quiet time. I feel like during this season I have been just praying for me and my survival 🙂 on a lot of days.
Before working motherhood, a dear old saint had shown me this idea. She prayed for different things each day of the week.
Each day she prayed for items on the Urgent portion of her list or things that would happen that day (M’s surgery at 10:00.) She also prayed for her concerns, needs, etc. But, the other items she would rotate on a seven day schedule. For example, Mondays were always for missionaries and church leadership…etc.
This worked well for me for awhile.
Beth,
Here’s how it seems to work out in my life: I try to have a deep, private time of worship every morning that I can, because, like you, I crave that intimate time of sitting at the feet of Jesus and pouring perfume on His feet. After that, much of the “pray without ceasing” kind of prayer is for me. All day my running conversation with Him might be about what He would have me do and say in daily circumstances (Should I say something to this lady sitting alone at the Doctor’s office, Lord? What should I say? This scripture has shown up three different times and places today, Lord. What are you telling me about it? etc. etc.) Often times God will bring a specific person to mind during the day and so intercessory prayer happens, too. Today, I have a dear friend undergoing brain surgery. I know intercessory prayer will happen all day today.
In general, though, I have a list of people (maybe 50-60 people) that I feel God has put in my corner of the world and it is my responsibility as a priest with access to the Most Holy Place to pray for them daily. My husband, children and grandchildren are at the top of the list and get prayed for deeply every day. As I scan my list my intercessory prayers for these people may be quick and simple, but there are always at least 2 or 3 on the list that require deeper and longer prayer time, because of their immediate circumstances (an illness, surgery, a missionary trip, etc.) So I don’t keep a prayer list of requests, I keep a prayer list of people. It has not been hard to identify those that He has put in my corner of the world and I feel a great responsibility to pray for them.
A few years ago I went through a deep prayer journey that continues today. I learned SO much about Holy Spirit led prayer. HE is the one who leads my prayer and if I am sensitive to HIS leading I will experience MUCH answered prayer, (for my prayers are in harmony with Him) and I do. I wrote a little book to share with my friends about all that I learned, a parable about “The Servant Girl” called “The Golden Key” (based on the sermons of Charles Spurgeon that I read when I was so desperate to learn about prayer–it was a time of difficult trial).
It’s a free download for anyone who might wish to learn more about prayer; it’s just a simple telling of my journey:
http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/24091
Blessings,
Jeanne
i have a 6yo, 4yo, and 19month old…the baby girl is only saying a few words, but the boys are in the “chatter-box” phase…..knowing how these chatter-boxes will all too quickly quiet down and not babble to their mom forever, i treasure every random thought that rushes out of their mouths….i tell them all the time that i just love to hear their voices….and i just have to believe that God loves it when we talk…unplanned, random, scatter-brained, impulsive, and at times, socially inappropriate….like my kids talk to me…i want to talk to Him. thankfully, He can make sense of my jumbled words and flighty ideas….no pattern required….how i would be so sad and miss their heart if my kids had to “gather their thoughts” before they came to me! As I delight in hearing my sweet children’s voices, I imagine God being “all ears” as I tell Him my fears, dreams, disappointments, joys, and extreme honor of being His child.
Beautifully said. I have never thought of it that way
I honestly started praying every single morning a month ago. It was sporadic before then. My life has done a 360 because of prayer. I know it because I see it. I also caught a Joyce Meyer episode and she mentioned getting to the point in your prayers. I needed to hear that because mine were getting longer and longer, but often danced around one point. I started to assume longer meant I cared more??? He would see I was more of a Christian if I prayed more??? -I don’t think so. What has worked for me is that I try and be clear, concise, and state exactly my needs. I also spend much of my prayer thanking him for everything he has given me, FORGIVING my enemies & always tell him to make me more like his son. Of course, I also pray for all the needs that are important to my heart. Since I have started praying this way, I literally see a difference in every area of my life. He really does here us, we just have to be patient. I feel that I should let it come from my heart, but not make it too long and drawn out…you wouldn’t do that too your best friend:)
Thank you for all your books Beth Moore, I am going to read every one eventually. I just can’t put the one I have down!!!
Dear Beth, I completely relate. My relationship with Jesus is the most important part of my life. Above my husband and children, whom I love (I hope) more than myself. But, I know the Holy Spirit has been talking to me about this issue. He knows my heart and again hopefully, knows what I say to be true. BUT…I don’t submit more. I dilly-dally, I wait, I have zone-out time before I come to Jesus with my love and my supposed love for others. This realization is even deeper, knowing what that deep prayer life feels like. I have had it before! I HAVE HAD IT BEFORE! It was absolutely wonderful. To be saturated in God’s presence, a feeling like no other! Thank you for listening to God and writing your feelings about this issue. The Lord is truely pricking my heart.
Hey Beth!
I start my day at 5:00 am…it is not something I always want to do. GOD has made it clear to me that is HIS time. So for about an hour-letting dogs out, feeding them in between I pray and read the scripture. Sometimes I just rush through, no real focus. And then a crisis hits and all of the sudden, I am paying attention. The way I get my special time with HIM is to let HIM send it. And HE does. I glance outside and see something and HE stirs my mind to something and I visit with HIM. I am a teacher. So I need HIM all of the time. I pray often for my students. But lots of time, just for me. Sometimes it is a quick LORD shut my mouth please, fast…
I do understand what you mean though…I love those prayer times when I am truly with HIM. I love to just let myself go to HIM. I, like the reader above, have written in a journal of sorts. It is so awesome to have some place written down all of the miracles HE has performed in my life. I also want the journal for my girls. They are now in their 20’s. I want them to know that GOD is so real to me. I think that when I am no longer in their lives, these journals will be there.
I love to journal. I will be journaling more of my prayers. Everyone can always grow more in Christ, prayer life is key. One thhing I like about writing my prayers down is looking back and seeing how God answered them. Sometimes we forget all the little prayers God answered because we our hung up on one big one.
I am ecouraged to get more focused on Jesus.
Have a great day ladies!
Your siesta in Christ,
Shannon
About four years ago, after reading “Crazy Love” by Francis Chan, I made a commitment to begin and end my days with God. Reading His Word, prayer, meditation and seeking his presence. The change in me was immediate. Last summer, God led me to an old book about practicing the presence of God and it has helped me understand that I need to be aware that every moment of my life can be spent in constant communion with Him. Now, no matter what my task at hand, I begin by inviting God to be part of it and He never fails to be there. Even when I’m exhausted and there are still dishes to be done, I thank God that I have a wonderful family to feed and that I have a home to take care of and ask Him to speak to my heart while I do this task. He never let’s me down in these moments. Now I see that it is so important to be aware of His presence all the time! My daughter wrote me a letter for my birthday that meant the world to me. In it, she told me that she had seen such a difference in my life; peace, gentleness, love, self-control and other fruits of the Spirit. She thanked me for being a spiritual role model for her. That’s when I knew for sure the value of spending time with my precious Lord. He has changed me in a way that others can see!! I encourage you to find time, no matter how busy your life is. I’m a teacher with three kids so I know about being busy; but you can find the time. Big changes will come in your life!!
Beth’s post made me think of a rule my husband and I have when we are out without our kids (you know, that thing called a “date?”) – we allow the first fifteen or so minutes to be discussion about the kids and what they’re up to and concerns we have, etc. But then we need to STOP. Because it is OUR time and when all is said and done and the kids are grown, we will still need things to talk about. If we haven’t practiced that, I fear we will find ourselves dumbly staring at each other with a “now what?” question hanging in the air.
I bet this works with God, too. If all I do is bring my concerns and intercessions for others to him, when (albeit a brief “when”) I don’t know someone in need of my prayers, then what? If I practice talking with God about the same types of intimate things I talk with my husband about during our dates, then I know I am fostering intimacy with Him – and just enjoyed a lovely Date Night with the Lord.
Erin, I love that!
Sometimes (often times) I get so overwhelmed with all the needs surrounding me. Where does one even begin??? But what I’ve come to realize for me is that sometimes “presence” is enough. (Like when I’m on a long business trip with my husband and we ride for hours never saying a word.) And so I light a candle in the early morning hours to acknowledge “this time is special,” and I sit and just have a cup of tea with the Lord. Maybe that sounds too simple. But sometimes presence is the gift.
http://nancys-ordinarymoments.blogspot.com/2010/11/gift-of-presence.html
Prayer and study time for me has largely depended on my season of life with children. Babies, work, and life have effected my time with the Lord. As He has drawn me closer to Him over the last two years I find that it is my joy to be with Him early in the morning before the sun or my family rises. He is meeting my deepest needs in very real and physical ways. Now my prayer time is spent in bits of intercession for myself, my family and others and in discussing what I am studying with Him. It feels more like a conversation than ever before. It is life giving and I hate to miss those times.
So relieved to see mature folks in the faith struggling with this issue. My quiet times with the Lord are usually focused on Him( His greatness, holiness, etc…) and then on me (my needs, desires, sins). I will include interceding for others but it is usually for urgent needs. I find that I intercede best for others all through out the day as the Holy Spirit brings them to mind. After all, prayer should not end with “amen”, right? We commune all day. The enemy will sometimes tell me that these prayers aren’t “good enough” but God knows my heart and motive. I pray as I feel led. Length of time in prayer doesn’t necessarily make a difference…being obedient to do it is what makes the difference.
Thank you for sharing the line: “I was going through extreme crisis and marrow-deep healing.” Spoke personally to me as I feel like I have recently been in that season and used my journal so much to pour out my heart. Coming out of this season, I’ve felt like the LORD has been shifting me to focus on different areas in prayer each day – like Wednesday pray the Word over me, people, situations. On Thursday focus on Thanksgiving. I had not come up with what He wanted me to do for Saturday or Sunday. I think after reading this post, he wants me to sit with Him on Saturday. Sit on Sat. He is soo good! Love you Mama Beth.
Lora – that same line spoke to my heart too. I sure love Beth’s transparency and sweet sincerity. I also noticed our similar posts regarding prayer targets. I love you friend, and would enjoy a cup of coffee and long conversation with you!
Jan 🙂
Beth, amen! While everyone’s formula may be different, thank you for being bold and open about praying for OURSELVES. Yes, we are called to interecede for others, but if I am not asking for the Lord’s help and petitioning him for ME, then I am NOT EFFECTIVE. Of course, we can get out of balance, but lifting up my own requests and needs brings the PEACE I need to pray for others. Dead. On. Girlfriend.
New to “Siestaville” but glad to be here! This blog serves as a daily encouragement to me – thank you Beth, staff and fellow Siestas!
Before we’re able to bless others, we have to remind ourselves how we’ve been blessed – and the fullness of being a daughter of God (awe-inspiring!) will overflow into love, prayer, service to others. I struggle with this often – trying so hard to pray more, serve more, etc. without first taking a step back and reminding myself of what I’ve been given and who I am in Christ. When I was in counseling, my counselor asked me how much of my time was in study versus meditating on and soaking in God’s grace. Such a simple concept, but I had neglected the latter. I am such a studier by nature, so this naturally took over my quiet time!
I think about God setting Israel apart and blessing it in order to be a blessing to the nations! In the same way, our own understanding of what we have received from the Lord naturally overflows into love for others. Like most things, I don’t think there is any “to do” that works for everyone!
Thank you for this post, Beth. At the moment my prayer life, or such as it is, is a mess….I am a mess over some issues. I would appreciate beyond measure some serious prayers from some of the Siestas. I know that this too shall pass, but I am not a patient person 🙂
Thanks again Beth for all you do for Siestaville…love you dearly.
Wow, Beth the timing here is amazing. No big surprise there, really. For years, I spent most each and every morning journaling my little heart out before God. For the most part I didn’t even need an alarm clock. He would wake me up (so gently; much better than an alarm!) a good hour before it was time to get the kids up. It was generally just sweet communication…confessing, asking to be cleared of my self so He could rule….praying for my heart to be pure…whining about stuff and people, thanking Him for all the blessings, even if those blessings were revelations of my own stuff and sin. The past couple of years, I have slowly removed myself right out of that amazing time of day. With a lot of life happening (mother-in-law living with us for 9 months, a teenage daughter going goofy, my mom being diagnosed with cancer, church change….nothing nearly as hard as so many other people experience, but definite life hiccups) I just slowly turned from my normal. You would think I would have dug deeper into His Presence but I did not. I am just now, a month and a half after my mom passed away, starting to think that MAYBE I was actually mad. And I don’t even know why. I truly KNOW that God is good, He allows what He allows for His righteous reasons and some of the stuff really had big blessings wrapped in them. And some were even consequences for own choices. My point in all this convoluted mess? I NEED to get back to the way it was. I miss Him. It’s not at all that I have turned away from Him; just the sweet fellowship with Him. I am looking forward to reading all the other responses to get some fresh ideas. Thank you for posting. Have a great weekend!
i try to keep a constant prayer mode in my mind and heart…even when im doing other things…i try to turn ungodly thoughts into godly ones…prayers…i try to encourage my kids to pray when we hear of disasters or someone going through a hard time. i try to pray with my kids before bed at night but find they are easily distracted…then i get upset because they are chatting, fighting etc…anyone have any ideas to help??
Over the past two months, God has brought to my attention the need to put on the whole armor of God (Ephesians 6) every morning. You know how God will work in those mysterious ways? 😉 He sent two different friends to me on two different occasions who encouraged me to start doing this. Then in a massive spring cleaning of our home, I found a little medallion with the description of the armor engraved on it. Then last week during my weekly ladies Bible study, our teacher taught on… yep, you guessed it… the whole armor of God. I have learned a lot and I have realized in doing this every morning, you are `choosing that day who you will serve`. The passage also speaks of fasting and supplication (intercession). I actually asked in class for some thoughts on these. Ms. Anna, a very wise lady, said, `You put in the time. Then let the Holy Spirit lead you.` But Ms. Beth, thank you so much for mentioning the love letters just between us and God! It is one of those things us women tend to do… put ourselves last. When you have babies and husbands and dear friends to pray for, we just tend to put ourselves last! But I will definitely take the time this weekend to spend some `just us` time with my Lord. 🙂
I’m a mom to young ones (9, 7, 3 and 1) so my prayer life is scattered like seeds across a field. I sow all day, in between diaper changing and nursing and helping with homework and making dinner. That said, my prayers tend to be whatever is in front of me! Sometimes, that’s intercession. Maybe I need to pray for my son’s attitude (and my response to it). Maybe the Holy Spirit brought a friend to mind. Maybe I’m listening to the news on the way to school and my heart cries out for Joplin.
What I miss is the extended times with Jesus that my soul really needs to slow down and LISTEN to Him speak to me. I’m in such a crazy stage of life, my soul is whipped up. And I rarely get more than 10 minutes to myself each day. (Read: That’s how long it takes me to shower.)
But I do have one comment on the idea of balance. I’m reading (soaking in) a great book right now called Spiritual Rhythm by Mark Buchanan. In it, he stresses the point that we, as a culture, are overly obsessed with finding balance. In the natural world, seasons or rhythms are the norm, not balance. So it’s possible we should just relax about trying to find that one point that’s right and go with the flow of what God’s doing in our lives at that moment in time. That could mean a lot of intercession at some points in our lives and little in another, and both could be right. I feel like replacing the idea of balance with the idea of rhythms is freeing to me.
Beth: Oh what a struggle this has been for me over the years. I believe as women we so long for balance – even the very seasons on our calendar affirm this ebb and tide of life.
I heard Emilee Barnes speak at a retreat one time and I set up my prayer journal with PRAYER TARGETS 20 years ago as she taught this method. I want to go on record as saying that I am in no way legalistic about this – but it helps me settle and focus my heart and mind – all through the particular day.
DAILY – Husband/Sons/Daughters-in-law/Grands/Sisters
Sunday – Church/Worship/Pastors/Bible Study classes
Monday – Extended Family & Friends
Tuesday – Ministries/Missionaries/Govt Leaders (LPM is today!)
Wednesday- Sick/Hurting/Grieving
Thursday – Salvation of specific people
Friday – Me-in great detail
Saturday – Friends-Miscellaneous
This just helps me keep my prayer list organized so I’m not so overwhelmed, but if you’re having surgery on Thursday and it’s not Wednesday, I WILL STILL PRAY FOR YOU! 🙂 Truly.
And lastly if someone asks me to pray for them, I say “can we pray right now?” I’ve prayed in grocery aisles, at Lowe’s, and at work. I ask the Lord to give me the memory to keep it in the forefront of my heart if we can’t pray right then – and He does. I’ve never kept an intimate journal – although I love to write and would love to have done that.
Much love to you all – take time to pray this Memorial Day weekend for all our military families and those who have lost loved ones in duty for our country.
So much love to Beth, Amanda, Melissa, and LPM staff! Would love to join you for lunch one day. How fun that would be!
G.J.
Georgia Jan
i love this 🙂 thank you so much for sharing!
I love praying with you Jan 🙂
This is a great guideline, Jan! Thanks for sharing. I’m usually an organized person, but lately my mind isn’t doing that real well! My thot’s we to wander more than they should when I pray! Q
Being a perfectionist (a trait I have come to hate about myself) I tend to stall and not get a lot of deep praying done because I focus too much on the “best” way to pray. Therefore, I’m always waiting for that “better” idea and that “best” time to pray.
The whole thing makes the enemy so happy.
Kim – When you realize what’s happened, do you hate that feeling as much as I do? “Can’t pray right now, I don’t have enough time to say everything that needs said…I forgot my prayer list…I’m not sure what should come first…I don’t know the beat way.” And on and on. Prayer isn’t the only area of my left where not being able to do my “best” keeps me from doing anything, but I bet it’s the one that makes the enemy happy.
I agree, Carol. I have this same problem in several areas of my life.
Thank you for sharing about a balanced prayer life. Many times I have tried to break down the needs to different days; didn’t work for me! 🙂 But, our Lord is good – He leads me in prayer to pray what He wants me to pray and He is so faithful to bring to my heart and mind the needs I already know of (and have told friends/family I will pray for their need) and new ones, too. Balance is more important than ever with our busy, busy world and lives. I firmly believe our Lord will lead each of us siestas to the right “formula”. In Christ’s love to all, Donna
Hmm good things to think on… just thought I’d share how good our God is,, I’ve been very busy with grand kids this past month, so I can relate to young Moms. Several times a day God has brought to my mind to talk to Him or thank Him just as we go through life! The other day we were playing with bubbles and God brought to my mind to say, “Thank you God for bubbles” It was just so cool to see it float in the air. The double blessing is that I have heard my grand daughter repeat this praise two times over the past week when she saw a bubble while in the bath tub:}
On Christmas weekend, one of our class members of Kairos Ladies Class blessed each one of us with a simple yet profound approach to praying by simply looking at our hands folded in prayer. The interesting thing is the LORD had spoken to me before class to set out our little hand which modeled our 5 fold pledge to God, learned through your Believing God course. God had our attention!
Here is a wonderful method and approach to prayer:
1. When our hands are folded in prayer, our thumb is nearest to us. This is to demonstrate praying for our loved ones, family, friends, relatives and fellow believers.
2. The pointing finger is next, to remind us to pray for those who teach us Gods Word (that’s you too, Beth!) Pastors, teachers, evangelists, missionaries and for receptive ears to hear.
3. Our middle finger is tallest to remind us to pray for those in spiritual and governmental authority over us, including our military,law-enforcement, judicial and legislative branches nationally and locally.
4. The 4th finger is our ring finger,(and our weakest digit – ask any piano teacher!) reminding us to pray for marriages, and those who are weak and suffering with physical ailments, sicknesses, handicaps and all those loving and caring individuals who minister to them – (Dr’s, nurses and caring health professionals).
5. The little finger is our smallest, reminding us God is great and we are small yet He promises to provide for our every need. It is significant that our own personal needs come last.
I believe this is an effective and comprehensive approach. Of course, we all are alerted by the Holy Spirit when calamity comes and we don’t need prompting in prayer for that reality. It’s as if we experience a sort of “knock out punch” and we come up fighting in prayer!
Beth,
What a relief to know someone as deep into God’s Word and full time ministry as you, struggles with this question just like me. I hope my post isn’t too long…
I am currently (over the course of a LONG time) reading Philip Yancey’s book Prayer, in which he deals with the issue of whether or not our prayers are 1) necessary or effective in changing a sovereign God’s actual action and 2) for us or for Him. It’s incredibly thought provoking.
So far, in my personal experience, I believe God wants to hear our concerns. I learned from you, that praying His Word is the most effective prayer of all. But, like you, I find that what He really wants and what I really need, is just to be with Him. To tell Him I love Him and hear it back. I constantly go back to the metaphor of marriage, because it’s the closest thing I can put my finger on. Sometimes, the hubs and I gotta hash out a problem with our girls, or bills we can’t pay, etc…
But at times, in order to build our relationship, we have to set all that aside. Just be together, laugh, share our love. So…I agree with you.
How that practically looks in my life? Hard to say. I am not as systematic or scheduled about it as it sounds like you are. (unfortunately, I wish I was) I definitely need more of the just being with Him time, and less of the LIST. =_)
You are such a HUGE blessing to me, Siesta Mama! I am leading a small group in Esther. Love it more than I can say! Thank you, thank you, thank you!
This was in my inbox this morning. I thought it was so appropriate and captured exactly what my heart struggles with in this issue:
“Our Lord teaches that this is the secret of private prayer: ‘close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen.’ The first objective is to see that you have the Father’s attention and presence. Know that He sees and hears you. Of more importance than all your effort to pray in the right way is this: that you have the childlike assurance that your Father sees you, and that as you look on Him, He looks on you, and you enjoy genuine communion with God.
But there is a real danger to which you are exposed in this quiet place. It is the danger of substituting prayer and Bible study for living fellowship with God. True fellowship is giving Him your love, your heart, and your love, and also receiving from Him His love, His life, and His Spirit. Your needs and your expression of them, your desire to pray in faith, humility, and sincerity may so distract you that the light of His countenance and the joy of His love cannot enfold you. Your Bible study may so pique your interest and so awaken pleasant feelings that the Word of God may become a substitute for God himself; this is the great hindrance to fellowship, because it keeps the soul occupied rather than leading it to God himself. If this happens, we will go out into the day’s work without the power of an abiding fellowship, because in our morning devotions the blessing was not secured.”
Andrew Murray
The Believer’s Daily Renewal, 17
Thank you for that P.S. because that is where I am (with 3 little boys)!! I long for that intimacy and most days find time to read scripture, but good gravy! Sometimes I just don’t have the time or the energy to concentrate that hard. Satan really does a number on me with guilt…..
Ah Beth, this topic always gets me riled up. Ha ha. I have a great friend who is also about “no condemnation” and reminds me that we all have different seasons in our life that may keep us busier than we’d like. So your p.s. at the end was very soothing to read. I currently have a 3 year old and one in the oven, due this summer.
As far as prayer, a lot of my prayer life is directed by having a desire to teach my daughter about the love I have for our Savior and wanting her to be filled with a flame of love and appreciation for all he gives us. My husband and I try to model Deuteronomy 6:7 “Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.” My own dad impressed this verse on me when I was a child. My prayer life is based on showing gratitude, humility, and a desire to live life with a fear and appreciation for his grace and love towards me and others. I guess my prayers are simple and short throughout the day. “Lord, direct me here. I need wisdom. Be with…” I will say I fall short in praying for the needs of others. That’s about all I have right now.
There is one thing that has helped me, more than anything, when it comes to balance and commitment to pray for others, for my own personal loved ones, for myself, and it’s this: As the Holy Spirit brings it to mind, pray immediately. His promptings are always strong and urgent.
When I got to God, with my checklist of petitions, it usually feels forced. When the Holy Spirit prompts me, I cannot stop the flow of prayer, until He has released me from it. It’s a comfort to know that He is in control of even what, when and for whom I pray. It also releases me from the guilt, I can sometimes feel, when I’ve let a few needs slip by.
Beth-speaking of prayer. I was at the Eden Prairie Living Proof Concert. Needless to say, God knew exactly why I needed be there. I’ve thought about the “commission” prayer you had us say to each other almost every morning. I would LOVE if you could post it so I can say the whole thing and not just the parts that I remember. Love you, thank you for your ministry and heart!
Beth, thank you so much for this blog. I must say I have had a rough time with this. I have been through depression and just, I guess, let satan have a foot in the door. That’s all it takes, isn’t it, at foot? I have no excuse as to time because I am retired on disability and my children are grown.
So thank you. I am going to purchase a nice journal and MAKE time every morning and evening to write in it my thoughts.
I have tried before, but my mind is just blank. I bet if I prayed first, God would send me the thoughts He has for me.
Sorry for the ramblings, but again, thanks.
And thanks to all of the comments above. They were a blessing to me.
Oh Beth!
This is a sensitive topic for me. Right now, I am not practicing any sort of devotional time with the Lord. I am a SAHM to four children 10,8,5,2. I miss my time with the Lord.
Here’s the thing. Last year at this time, I was waking up every day (7 days a week!) at somewhere b/w 5:15 and 5:40. I would come downstairs and pray and spend time in the the Word and make notes and watch the sun come up. A miracle b/c I am not a morning person! I was so happy! I looked forward to that time and it made such a difference in my days.
Since our vacation in August, I haven’t done that. First, vacation. Then, the baby started waking up at 6 every morning. I was frustrated b/c he was interrupting my time. Then … I don’t know what happened. My discipline ended. I no longer feel the desire to get up early and spend time with the Lord. 🙁 I am missing the conviction. I don’t know.
Anyway, I appreciated your topic and I enjoyed reading some of the responses.
I would wake up and literally just start quietly talking. “Good Morning, Jesus! Can you believe …. happened yesterday?” Stuff like that. I would pray for whomever had given me a prayer request. I would pray for my kids. Sometimes I used a devotional. Sometimes, I used the bible. Sometimes I just prayed and talked and listened.
I can testify that doing that first thing in the morning was one of the greatest times of my life!
I am a mom of 2 young kids ( a boy 20 mo., Caleb and a girl 4 1/2, Hannah.) I always remember what you said in your book, Believing God…Actually I made it a point to memorize them. God is who He says He is, He Can Do what He says He can do, I am who He says I am, I can do ALL things through Christ who gives me strength, and His word is alive and active in me. I am believing God!
I try to keep an awareness of God everyday and what He has done for me. My daddy went to heaven last March and I have learned from his death to live in light of eternity.
Dear Beth,
Of the spiritual “disciplines”, I struggle with a regular prayer life most of all. That being said, ideally, I use two “helps.” First, I have two beautiful picture-frame corkboards (TJ Maxx, I think) on which I post photos and little sticky notes with names of those for whom I want to pray. They are hanging on the wall in my bedroom, so are always in view! I got this idea from a precious, precious man who was my attorney years ago. He developed ALS, and very quickly was unable to do anything at all. So he asked his family to cover a wall in his home with photos of his friends and loved ones, and he sat in his wheelchair for hours daily in front of it and prayed.
I also like to use the ACTS (adoration, confession, thankfulness and supplication) method for “organizing” prayers. Quite frankly, I’m an awful crisis-prayer, as well.
You’ve hit the nail on the head, sometimes my prayers are more about others because I know prayer is the best way I can help them. Some days i need to take more prayer time for myself to be thankful, forgiven etc. My difficultly lies when there is so much shame, hurt, fear, uncertainty and anxiety that I don’t feel strong or worthy enough to come to HIM eventhough I know it will help.
Oh, dear – I just realized after I posted that I didn’t really answer the question at all – talk about distracted! Balance…not helps. So sorry! I think my best prayer times are about 25% me-centric, 75% others-focused.
I have a subsequent question I have been wrestling with concerning ‘lists’ at all. After a few days on the my list, I know the Lord has heard my variation of words concerning that specific prayer request. After that, especially when the request isn’t near to my own heart in a personal way, I find my prayer time becoming a reading of the list. This grieves me. I doubt it pleases God. how many ways can I say, “Lord, John and Susan are filing for divorce. Heal their marriage’. Or even worse, please save these people: name1, name2, name3.
With all humility, I ask this question. What am I missing in my spiritual life that makes my intercessory prayer time like this? Am I alone in feeling this way? Please be blunt and honest, siesta’s!
“And GOD IS ABLE TO MAKE ALL GRACE ABOUND TO YOU, so that in all things at all times, having all you need, you will abound in every good work.” 2 Cor 9:8
“You have been made rich in every way SO THAT YOU CAN BE GENEROUS on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God”. 2 Cor 9:11
Belive His Word.
His grace will make you generous in your prayer life!
Others with result in thanking God for your efforts.
To be completely honest my prayer life consist of praying for whatever comes to mind during the time I’m in my car. I’m a full-time college student (going back in my 30s), working as a middle school substitute teacher and helping care for my 89 year old grandmother and my father who recently has been diagnosed with vascular brain dementia.
Beth,
I couldn’t believe what I was reading when I read your blog. On a recent walk, I felt the Lord saying those exact thoughts to me. “Where are you?” “I’ve missed you” “You are not supposed to take all this on yourself” and so goes the list. As a kindergarten teacher and mother of a senior who just graduated, I have been tending to others’ needs that I have put My Lord on List B…..not too far away lest I need Him pronto (you know what I mean), but my “Martha-tude” just has too many demands. I thank Him for His gentle nudge.
I think as women we (more so than men, not saying cricital, just saying) we have a very hard time managing the “martha-tude” and the worshipful “Mary-tude” in our worlds. I recently heard a song that said, ‘I want to be Mary for a while.” I think the Lord purposefully put that story in Scripture to remind us women that there needs to be a time in our lives when we put aside the dishes, put aside the laundry, put aside the demands of the day, and set our eyes and hearts on His loving presence. (I’m speaking to myself here.) Yes, Lord, give us women who desire to be Mary for a while, to seek your Smile, to lay aside the cares of the day, and just worship at your feet. Lord, I need a hug from you today, and I will lay aside all else until I feel that.