Today’s Reflection
THE TERM creatures of habit isn’t just a catchy phrase. Its truth is gaining credence in the world of science as well as in our everyday world of observation. As noted, each time we engage a thought, a particular neural pattern deepens. The more frequently a behavior or feeling is repeated, the more likely it is to be repeated again. No wonder Christians through the centuries have employed chant, prayer beads, and other forms of repetitive prayer.
Mark 11:24 underscores the need for this kind of prayer: “So I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.”
State your prayers as affirmations:
- God is my Light and my Salvation (rather than “Be my light …”).
- The Lord of life walks with me (rather than “Please walk with me”).
- Healing Presence, you bring me strength (rather than “Please bring me strength”).
- I am a channel of God’s loving-kindness (rather than “Help me be a channel …”).
We are the gatekeepers of our own minds, monitoring what enters and what exits. Though much enters our minds whether we want it or not, we still have a choice about how to deal with that “content.” Even in the case of traumatic events, once we give proper attention to feelings and wounds, participating in the healing work of God, we can choose to move on. To oversimplify, … our minds are like blank chalkboards, and we hold both the chalk and the eraser.
- Linda Douty
Praying in the Messiness of Life
From pages 50-51 of Praying in the Messiness of Life: 7 Ways to Renew Your Relationship with God by Linda Douty. Copyright © 2011 by Linda Douty. All rights reserved. Used by permission of Upper Room Books. http://bookstore.upperroom.org/ Learn more about or purchase this book.
Today’s Question
What prayers of affirmation have you prayed? Is this a comfortable way for you to pray? Why or why not? Share your thoughts.
Today’s Scripture
All mine are yours, and yours are mine; and I have been glorified in them.
John 7:10, NRSV
This Week: pray for farmers. Submit your prayer to The Upper Room Living Prayer Center or share it in the comment section below.
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This week we remember Bede (May 25).
Lectionary Readings
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{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
While I understand the concept and believe it is good. I am more likely to ask when I pray. God hears all our prayers and our prayers are even assisted by the Holy Spirit. God does what’s best, answering some prayers immediately and others in due time. A great part of prayer is trusting in God.
Farmers, those who cultivate the earth and raise animals to provide us with food to eat, deserve our thanks and support. Where I live many dairy farms are struggling since the money paid for the milk they produce is so low. Many have turned to producing cheese, others have either stopped farming or turned to other crops. Bumper stickers remind us: No farmers, no food. Lord help, guide, and support those who bring us food, that they may make a living doing this good and wonderful activity.
Wow, this was powerful. I will honestly admit I had never seen this articulated so clearly and succinctly before. The examples are powerful, indeed.
I think for me, the easiest way to begin to incorporate this into my prayer life would be in tandem with requests. (Mind you, I seldom pray specific, “asking” type requests.)
For example, recently I was called upon to pray for a church family member. He was facing uncertainty. My prayers went towards wisdom for the surgeons, peace in the souls of all involved, and that we might be dazzled by the power of the Almighty’s touch.
Perhaps, following this model, the last piece would look different:
Lord God, you have dazzled us with your power and might when you parted the waters of the Red Sea and led your beloved children to freedom in the Promised Land. Dazzle us once more in this act of healing. Amen.
We may not be aware of our focus on self when we pray. Even as we profess the need to focus on God.
Prayer. The hardest simple thing we ever do.
I really liked your comment, Heidi!
I usually find it difficult to pray because I feel it focuses too much on me, me, ME or it becomes a laundry list of things I want God to do. I had never thought to phrase these prayers as affirmations, but I think this is the missing link I’ve been needing in my prayer life. I really appreciated this! Thank you so much!
Reminds me of an old Rambo song. ” Let the weak say I am strong. Let the weary say I have rest. With words of faith confess it and in the name of Jesus claim it. Because what you say is what you get. ”
I didn’t want my kids to ask me to feed them every day so I thank God that He is providing all I need every day. I ask once and then start thanking that His will is done. Could you imagine your kids worrying and asking repeatedly of us all day as we do our Father in Heaven?