Sometimes, even when we are very well in touch with our needs and wants, it's hard to know how to ask, or even what to ask, to get what we are looking for. Maybe a good first request is for help in putting our questions into words, our feelings into verbal expression. Reach out now to God and ask. Just ask, then see where the asking leads you.
SATURDAY, August 3, 2013 “What If?”
Genesis 18: 27-30 (excerpts from The Message)
“Abraham
came back, ‘Do I, a mere mortal made from a handful of dirt, dare open my mouth
again to my Master? What if the fifty fall short by five – would you destroy
the city because of those missing five?’ God said, ‘I won’t destroy it if there
are forty-five.’ Abraham spoke up again, ‘What if you only find forty?’
It is okay to question God. It is okay to make
requests of God. God should be
approached with honesty and frankness.
That’s how relationships are founded – in trust. But Abraham perhaps took the ‘What If?’ game
a little far. God doesn’t need to lay it
all out before us. That is the part
where our trust comes in, faith that God is leading us to a place of
goodness.
Ask and
then prepare to wait for the amazing opportunities and unimaginable directions
your request might take you. God
answers, but rarely in the way we expect!!
Westminster
Woods reflection: Saturday morning. We started with 8 youth. Down to 3 for the duration. Disappointed that many had to leave and
others are unable to join us. But I am
thinking, for some of the ones left, perhaps the concentrated attention and
focus will be good. They can’t get lost
in the crowd. They will have the
attention and affirmation of 8 adults who care.
Yes, perhaps God answers, but not as we expect.
Go ahead and ask.
Just ask,
Then see where the asking takes you.
You may learn the answers are
Just what you hope for.
Just what you hope for.
You may just as likely find your way
To even more questions.
To even more questions.
In either case, keep asking.
Just ask,
Then see where the asking takes you. Just ask,
FRIDAY, August 2, 2013 “Good Gifts”
Luke 11:11-13
”If your little boy asks for a
serving of fish, do you scare him with a live snake on his plate? If your little girl asks for an egg, do you
trick her with a spider? As bad as you
are, you wouldn’t think of such a thing – you’re at least decent to your own
children. And don’t you think the Father
who conceived you in love will give the Holy Spirit when you ask him?
Christmas wish lists.
A Santa size list of desires.
We all made them as a child.
As a parent, when we read the list,
We try to give good gifts.
We try to honor the request
With the best that we have.
Sometimes we fall short,
Sometimes we make mistakes,
But it is the best we can give in that
moment.
We still make a wish list as adults, for
Our prayers often read the same.
I want this and this and this, God.
Can you give it to me?
And like a good parent,
God gives the best God has:
Not fish or snakes or eggs or spiders,
but
The Holy Spirit!
A Christmas package with foiled wrap and
bow
A gift with endless possibilities,
Of holy magic in opportunities, talents,
and service.
A good gift.
Open it. Play with it. Use it.
Thank you, God, for all good gifts.
Luke 11:9-10 (MSG)
Here’s what I’m saying:
Ask and you’ll get;
Seek and you’ll find;
Knock and the door will open.
Don’t bargain with God. Be direct. Ask for what you need.
"You can't get what you don't ask for." "No questions off limits." Or as we teachers sometimes say, "There are no dumb questions. Ask away!" Husbands or wives might voice, "I'm not a mind reader, just ASK me for what you want!"
Well, God IS a mind-reader! God already knows our needs and the longings of our heart. But God needs us to take the first step, to ask the question, to knock on the door, to begin the search. Once we have approached God in all sincerity and faith, the sky is the limit.
But sometimes it is hard to ask. We are afraid. Will we appear weak? Will someone laugh? Will we be turned down? Is it too trivial? God is bigger than our questions, concerned with everything, loving of all. We don't need to skirt around our requests. We must be direct and state what we need. But then be ready. Once we have asked, we can't try to answer as well! We must step back....and let God go to work! The results will be worth it!
(NOTE: Off today for three nights at Westminster Woods with a mini-mission trip with Luke and the youth. No internet access. Look for postings by Monday the 5th!)
WEDNESDAY, July 31, 2013 "Daily Bread"
Luke 11:5-8 (MSG)
Then he said, “Imagine what would happen if you went to a friend in the middle of the night and said, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves of bread. An old friend traveling through just showed up, and I don’t have a thing on hand.’
“The friend answers from his bed, ‘Don’t bother me. The door’s locked; my children are all down for the night; I can’t get up to give you anything.’
“But let me tell you, even if he won’t get up because he’s a friend, if you stand your ground, knocking and waking all the neighbors, he’ll finally get up and get you whatever you need.
What a wacky story for Jesus to tell. As it stands alone, it doesn't make much sense. We don't go knocking on doors at midnight, nor do our neighbors! Or don't we? Have we been known to knock on God's door persistently and ask for bread when we are hungry? To be without food for a house guest is the ultimate slam in Hebrew hospitality. Is this a story about bread or hospitality or persistence?
I tossed this 'daily bread' line over in my sleep last night. As I simplified the Lord's Prayer in my subconscious, the words became, "I trust you to provide for my daily needs." If we only seek to fulfill our DAILY needs, we are demonstrating a trust in God to provide again tomorrow. This is like the manna in the wilderness for the Israelites. When they hoarded the manna and tried to store up, it went to waste. They could only pick what they needed for THAT day.
God will provide. Sometimes God will provide THROUGH our actions. Do we hear a neighbor knocking? Do we have bread to share from the bounty of God's provision? Do we trust that when we share, God will bless us abundantly once again?
Give us this day our daily bread. Not tomorrows bread, just today. And then, may we turn around and share it with our neighbors.
I scribbled a couple of additional Lord's Prayer themed drawings from this Luke passage yesterday while enjoying the calm and relaxation of Wallowa Lake:
I scribbled a couple of additional Lord's Prayer themed drawings from this Luke passage yesterday while enjoying the calm and relaxation of Wallowa Lake:
 |
| This one is inspired by part of Rev. Katy's Sunday sermon and her friend who prays like this! |
 |
| If prayer is simply communication with God, the opportunities in our technological age are multiplying rapidly! |
Luke 11:2-4 (MSG)
So he said, “When you pray, say,
Father,
Reveal who you are.
Set the world right.
Keep us alive with three square meals.
Keep us forgiven with you and forgiving others.
Keep us safe from ourselves and the Devil.”
You might not recognize these words as the Lord's Prayer. As paraphrased in The Message, the familiar words we learned as a child have changed. Often the Matthew scripture of the Lord's Prayer is the more often quoted. I got curious and did a little internet research on this basic tenet of our Christianity. But before I move on to those results, here is my point for today: A prayer doesn't have to be long and eloquent to be sincere, heartfelt, and heard. It simply must be prayed! 
Research is conflicting among sources, but what I gleaned which is generally agreed upon by scholars about Pater Noster (the Latin term):
1. The prayer Jesus gave the disciples in both Matthew and Luke is based on an ancient Jewish prayer, the Kadish, from the Talmud. It contains three commons aspects of Jewish prayer: praise, petition, and desire for the coming of the Kingdom. As translated by Christian scholar, Rev. John Gregorie, it reads:
"Our Parent which art in heaven, be gracious to us, O Lord, our God; hallowed be thy name, and let the remembrance of thee be glorified in heaven above and in the earth here below. Let thy kingdom reign over us now and forever. The holy men of old said, Remit and forgive unto all men whatsoever they have done against me. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil thing. For thine is the kingdom, and thou shalt reign in glory for ever and for evermore."
2. The ending found in Matthew (the doxology For thine is the Kingdom and the power and the glory...) was added as part of worship liturgy in the early Church. Hence, it is missing in the earlier Luke scripture. (Therefore I am surprised that it was included in the Jewish translation given above! Such is the 'accuracy' of the internet?)
3. The translation from the original Aramaic language is flowing and eloquent, and gives a new depth of meaning to some of the phrases:
Oh Thou, from whom the breath of life comes, who fills all realms of sound, light and vibration.
May Your light be experienced in my utmost holiest.
Your Heavenly Domain approaches.
Let Your will come true - in the universe (all that vibrates) just as on earth (that is material and dense).
Give us wisdom (understanding, assistance) for our daily need, detach the fetters of faults that bind us, (karma) like we let go the guilt of others.
Let us not be lost in superficial things (materialism, common temptations), but let us be freed from that what keeps us from our true purpose.
From You comes the all-working will, the lively strength to act, the song that beautifies all and renews itself from age to age.
May Your light be experienced in my utmost holiest.
Your Heavenly Domain approaches.
Let Your will come true - in the universe (all that vibrates) just as on earth (that is material and dense).
Give us wisdom (understanding, assistance) for our daily need, detach the fetters of faults that bind us, (karma) like we let go the guilt of others.
Let us not be lost in superficial things (materialism, common temptations), but let us be freed from that what keeps us from our true purpose.
From You comes the all-working will, the lively strength to act, the song that beautifies all and renews itself from age to age.
Sealed in trust, faith and truth.
(I confirm with my entire being)
(I confirm with my entire being)
I particularly like the line 'Let us not be lost in superficial things, but let us be freed from that what keeps us from our true purpose.' A good interpretation of temptation!
4. Henry the 8th standardized the words of the prayer within the Church of England so everyone would be using the same text. Thanks, Henry!
I could go on, but that's enough for today! It's time to pray!
MONDAY, July 29, 2013 "How to Pray"
Luke 11:1 (CEB)
Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.”
How to pray. Teach me, Lord. A simple request by the disciples. A simple request for us today. This scripture (Luke 11:1-13) was the text of Rev. Katy's sermon yesterday. I lost my notes after the service, but here is the gist of her message: THERE ARE NO 'RULES' FOR PRAYER. THERE IS NO 'RIGHT' or 'WRONG' WAY. You don't have to close your eyes, fold your hands, and remain still unless that is the manner in which you can make the connection with God. Prayer is conversation with God -- First and foremost, an opportunity, a moment in time, when we talk to and with the Almighty. When our relationship with God and our desire for a chat is the primary purpose of the prayer, then the act itself is right. Words are not even necessary, for God knows what is on our heart. A silent prayer gives us more opportunity to listen to God's side of the conversation!
There are all sorts of 'formulas' or 'equations' for prayer to help us along. For example, prayer should include ACTS - Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, and Supplication. But these formulas do not DEFINE prayer itself.
Prayer is communication with God. Think of all the ways in which we communicate as a culture today. And then remember with God, possibilities are endless.
SUNDAY, July 28, 2013 "Hearing God"
Psalm 85:8-13 (GNT)
I am listening to what the Lord God is saying;
he promises peace to us, his own people,
if we do not go back to our foolish ways.
Surely he is ready to save those who honor him,
and his saving presence will remain in our land.
he promises peace to us, his own people,
if we do not go back to our foolish ways.
Surely he is ready to save those who honor him,
and his saving presence will remain in our land.
 |
| Scribble from Make a Joyful Scribble Unto the Lord |
righteousness and peace will embrace.
Human loyalty will reach up from the earth,
and God's righteousness will look down from heaven.
The Lord will make us prosperous,
and our land will produce rich harvests.
Righteousness will go before the Lord
and prepare the path for him.
God, I can't HEAR you!
Your voice is a jumble amidst the chaos of life.
I can't discern one source from another.
Take out the ear-phones. Stop talking. Listen.
Prayer is a two-way conversation.
For what is it okay to ask?
Am I too demanding?
Is anything too trivial to request of God?
Everything. Nothing.
I care about it all. I care about you.
How do I know you are listening to me?
How do I know you have answered?
You will prosper in unimaginable ways.
Faithfulness and Truth will come together in your daily walk.
Peace will reign within your heart.
Love will command your actions.
My life is too loud and busy to hear you, God.
I am surrounded by job and family and demands.
It doesn't take long.
Pause. Breath deep. Tune in.
The more you try it, the faster you'll realize...
I'm already there. Waiting.
