Go ahead. Pray for patience (and love and joy too)

After we moved to Vegas, I missed Oregon's springtime, especially the spring flowers. So one March day I bought a pot of tulips and set it in the window box outside my kitchen window. The very next day the tulips were wilted, and I realized that tulips were simply not designed to endure seventy degree days. I've read that if you want to make bulbs grow and bloom in a warm climate, you must dig them up and store them in your refrigerator for a certain length of time. The cold is necessary for the blooms.

In our spiritual lives, growth and fruit are often formed through trials. We might describe trials as the chilly seasons of our lives. In fact, in the book of James we're told that the trying of our faith produces patience. 

I've heard Christians say that we should never pray for patience because God will answer us by sending trials. I can understand a bit of the logic behind this idea, but I am not sure that it takes into account the wisdom and love of God. 

He wants what is best for us and what will bring glory to Him. I cannot believe that He has a stockpile of trouble He's just waiting to pour on us if we pray the wrong prayer.

The Apostle Paul often prayed that his converts and friends would grow in godliness and would bear fruit. Patience is an ingredient of godliness and it is one of the fruits of the Spirit. I cannot find any examples of Paul asking prayer for his friends to develop in all the fruits of the Spirit except patience. 

I believe that we can trust God to follow His good plan for us. Trials will be a part of that because we live in a fallen world, but God in His grace and wisdom speaks to us through the tough times, using the chill of trouble to produce beautiful blooms of godliness.

If God has prompted you to pray for a certain character quality, a specific fruit of the Spirit, or godliness in general, rest assured that He is working within you, and He has already arranged and allowed the circumstances that will coax the blooms from your life. 

He will be with you every step of the way, whispering His words of love in your ear.

Pray confidently!

I pray this: that your love will keep on growing in knowledge

and every kind of discernment, so that you can determine what really matters 

and can be pure and blameless in the day of Christ, 

filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ,

to the glory and praise of God.

(Philippians 1:9-10 HCSB)

We are asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will

 in all wisdom and spiritual understanding, so that you may walk worthy of the Lord,

fully pleasing to Him, bearing fruit. (Colossians 1:10-11 HCSB)

...We always pray for you that our God will consider you worthy of His calling,

and will, by His power, fulfill every desire for goodness and the work of faith,

so that the name of our Lord Jesus will be glorified by you, and you by Him,

according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ. (2 Thessalonians 1:11-12)

______

(This post is adapted from my book Sacred Signposts. More details at sacredsignposts.com)

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Just Talk to Jesus: Godliness

How happy are those whose way is blameless,
who live according to the law of the Lord! (Psalm 119:1 HCSB)

Patrick prayed, "this day be within and without me." He knew that Christ was within him, and he wanted his inward attitudes and outward actions to make Christ's presence obvious. Look at Paul's prayer in Philippians 1:

I pray this: that your love will keep on growing

in knowledge and every kind of discernment,

so that you can determine what really matters

and can be pure and blameless in the day of Christ,

filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ,

to the glory and praise of God. (Philippians 1:9-10)

Paul wanted his converts to learn God's will and do it. He urged them to "work out your own salvation"--not work for your salvation, but put it into practice. He said that it is God working in us who enable us to do this:

Therefore, my dear ones, as you have always obeyed [my suggestions], 

so now, not only [with the enthusiasm you would show] in my presence 

but much more because I am absent, 

work out (cultivate, carry out to the goal, and fully complete) 

your own salvation with reverence and awe and trembling

 (self-distrust, with serious caution, tenderness of conscience, 

watchfulness against temptation, 

timidly shrinking from whatever might offend God and discredit the name of Christ).

[Not in your own strength] for it is God Who is all the while effectually at work in you 

[energizing and creating in you the power and desire], 

both to will and to work for His good pleasure 

and satisfaction and delight.

(Philippians 2:12-13 AMP)

I chose the word "godliness" to represent this prayer topic, as I ask for wisdom and power to follow God, and choose to act in accordance with His will instead of my own. The word also implies a reverence and respect for God (as mentioned in Philippians 2:12-13).

O Perfect Lord,

Teach me Your commands

and empower me to keep them.

Plant and nourish the fruit of righteousness within me,

filling me with the knowledge of Your will.

_______

I am revisiting the themes of several of my books as I seek to “just be with Jesus." Today's post is adapted from my book Sacred Signposts. I am putting aside lengthy readings for a season, and instead looking for one word or phrase from a scripture portion to carry through the day. Today’s phrase, for me, is "determine what really matters."

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Just Talk to Jesus: Awareness

The heavens proclaim His righteousness; all the peoples see His glory. (Psalm 97:6 HCSB)

May the Lord of peace Himself

give you peace always in every way.

The Lord be with all of you. 

(2 Thessalonians 3:16 HCSB)

Patrick prayed, "Christ beside me on my left and my right," longing to be constantly conscious of the Lord's presence. Another segment of this prayer says, "I rise and bind to myself today the strong virtues of the Trinity, the Three in One and One in Three, Creator of the Universe." Patrick wanted to be aware of each member of the Trinity as soon as he arose each day. He wanted to be so close to God that God's character qualities wrapped around him. The Apostle Paul expressed the same thought more simply as he prayed for his friends: "The Lord be with all of you." (2 Thessalonians 3:16)

When the early Irish Christians realized that God surrounded them, they embraced this knowledge whole-heartedly, putting it into practice in their prayer lives. Poetery was already an important part of Irish culture, so they began creating poetic prayers. Because much of the population was illiterate, prayers were passed down verbally from generation to generation. They had prayers to say while milking cows, prayers to say for a sore throat, prayers for bathing -- prayers for each activity of their everyday routines.

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ,

he is a new creation; old things have passed away,

behold all things have become new. (2 Corinthians 5:17 NKJV)

"All things" -- not just a time of prayer and Bible study squeezed into my schedule, not just attendance at church -- "have become new." The Lord wants my entire day, or as Paul put it, God asks me to become "a living sacrifice." (Romans 12:1)

O Lord of Peace

You surround me night and day,

calling me to fellowship and prayer.

Open my eyes, my ears, my mind

to be aware of You,

to interact with You,

and to delight in You. 

_____

I am revisiting the themes of several of my books as I seek to “just be with Jesus." Today's post is adapted from my book Sacred Signposts. I am putting aside lengthy readings for a season, and instead looking for one word or phrase from a scripture portion to carry through the day. Today’s word, for me, is "awareness."

photo credit: antrim coast via photopin (license)

Just Talk to Jesus: Faith

For the Lord is good, and His love is eternal; His faithfulness endures through all generations. 

(Psalm 100:4-5 HCSB)

One of the reasons I began this study of Patrick and Paul's prayers was a realization that my prayers are often focused on me: my worries, my troubles, and my requests. God is a patient and powerful parent, and he wants to hear my honest voice bringing more than only petitions and complaints. I see this in the prayers of the Apostle Paul; he made requests for himself and his friends, but he also burst into praises and declarations of faith. 

Now to Him who is able to do above and beyond 

all that we ask or think

--according to the power that works in you--

to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen. 

(Ephesians 3:20-21)

My prayer theme today is Faith--lifting my eyes from my own circumstances and concerns to focus on our great God, declare my faith in him, and offer praise  to him. St. Patrick's phrase "Christ over me" expresses this so simply. It reminds me that Christ is in control, he is trustworthy, and without him I am powerless.

We do not focus on what is seen, but on what is unseen;

for what is seen is temporary but what is unseen is eternal." (2 Corinthians 4:18)

O Faithful Lord,

You are great and awesome

and ready to forgive.

I look to You, the Author and source of my faith,

giving You glory and praise,

eternal, wise, loving God.

_____

I am revisiting the themes of several of my books as I seek to “just be with Jesus." Today's post is adapted from my book Sacred Signposts. I am putting aside lengthy readings for a season, and instead looking for one word or phrase from a scripture portion to carry through the day. Today’s word, for me, is "faith."

photo credit: Gougane Barra via photopin (license)

Just talk with Jesus: Strength

God is our refuge and strength,

a helper who is always found in times of trouble. (Psalm 46:1)

"Christ under me," prayed St. Patrick. It is a simple little phrase, but so very visual. Christ under me, my strength and support. It reminds me of the Apostle Paul's prayers for strength:

I pray that He may grant you,

according to the riches of His glory,

to be strengthened with power through His Spirit

in the inner man. (Ephesians 3:16 HCSB Read this in context here: Ephesians 3:14-21)

May our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father,

who has loved us and given us eternal encouragement

and good hope by grace,

encourage your hearts

and strengthen you in every good work and word. 

(2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 HCSB Read this in context here: 2 Thessalonians 2:13-17)

Notice that Jesus strengthens us to work and speak. I remember when my parents' church would sing the hymn "Standing on the Promises" the congregation would automatically stand up whether the song leader asked them to or not. Believing God's promises is not a passive activity--it puts us in motion. 

O God of endurance and encouragement,

You are my faithful helper in times of trouble.

When I am weak and weary, 

I find strength in your word.

_____
I am revisiting the themes of several of my books as I seek to “just be with Jesus." Today's post is adapted from my book Sacred Signposts. I am putting aside lengthy readings for a season, and instead looking for one word or phrase from a scripture portion to carry through the day. Today’s word, for me, is "encouragement."

photo credit: Trim Castle Is A Large Norman Castle On The South Bank Of The River Boyne In Trim, County Meath, Ireland. via photopin (license)

Just Talk with Jesus: Protection

...You have been my help,
    and in the shadow of your wings I will sing for joy. (Psalm 63:7)

Now may the God of peace Himself
sanctify you completely.
And may your spirit, soul, and body 
be kept sound and blameless 
for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
He who calls you is faithful, 
who also will do it.
Brothers, pray for us also.
(I Thessalonians 5:23-24 HCSB Read it in context here)

I use a prayer of St. Patrick to remind me of the Apostle Paul's prayers for himself and his friends. Today I'm looking at prayers for protection. In these verses from I Thessalonians, Paul prayed that his converts would be separated from evil (sanctified), and kept safe and holy physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

Patrick prayed "Christ as a shield, overshadow me." Let's think about being in Christ's shadow for a few moments.: to be in the shadow of someone or something, I must be relatively close to it. If a child is walking close enough to a parent to be in their shadow, they are close enough to be cared for and protected.

In human terms, the word "overshadow" carries negative connotations of being less than the person whose shadow I am under. But as I think of being "overshadowed" by Jesus, this becomes a comforting truth, because I want to put my trust in something greater than I.

A shadow can also be a place of shade, a respite from the burning sun, and a place to be comfortable and refreshed. What a perfect description of being near to Jesus!

...We have run to God for safety. Now His promises should greatly encourage us to take hold of the hope that is right in front of us. This hope is like a firm and steady anchor for our souls...
(Hebrews 6:19-19 CEV)

O Lord my Shield,
You overshadow me with your peace,
covering me with your love and grace.
You are my refuge and my fortress;
I trust in your faithfulness.

_______

I am revisiting the themes of several of my books as I seek to “just be with Jesus." Today's post is adapted from my book Sacred Signposts. I am putting aside lengthy readings for a season, and instead looking for one word or phrase from a scripture portion to carry through the day. Today’s word, for me, is "shield."

photo credit: Doonagore Castle, clear skies via photopin (license)

Just talk with Jesus: Light

Make your ways known to me, Lord, teach me Your paths. (Psalm 25:4)

St. Patrick prayed, “Christ, as a light, illumine and guide me.” This reminds me of Paul’s prayer for enlightenment:

I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, would give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be may be enlightened…(Ephesians 1:17-18)

Read Ephesians 1 here.

The Greek word Paul used for revelation in Ephesians 1:18 means “uncovering” or “revealing God;” knowledge is “exact or full knowledge, discernment, recognition.” Think for a moment about carrying a flashlight on a dark night: it allows you to discern dangers on your path as well as to recognize the familiar faces of friends. It uncovers truth and increases your knowledge about your surroundings. Jesus is your Light on dark or uncertain days.

Here are three more prayers from Paul, asking for guidance and knowledge:

And I pray this, that your love will keep on growing in knowledge and every kind of discernment, so that you can determine what really matters and can be pure and blameless in the day of Christ. 
(Philippians 1:10 HCSB)
…We are asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding. (Colossians 1:9 HCSB)
…That they may have all the riches of assured understanding, and have the knowledge of God’s mystery—Christ. In Him all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hidden. 
(Colossians 2:2-3 HCSB)

These are really beautiful requests to make for friends, for children or for people in ministry. If you read this blog regularly, you might remember that I blogged about Jesus, the Light recently. This is one of my favorite prayer words and topics. Talk to the Light, and ask for light. Tell him you trust him to be your light today.

_____

I am revisiting the themes of several of my books as I seek to “just be with Jesus." Today's post is adapted from my book Sacred Signposts. I am putting aside lengthy readings for a season, and instead looking for one word or phrase to carry through the day. Today’s word, for me, is "treasure."

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Just talk with Jesus

Devote yourselves to prayer; stay alert in it with thanksgiving. (Colossians 4:2)

"Prayer is just talking to Jesus." I've heard this all my life. But several years ago, I felt stuck in my prayer habits. I had a prayer list I dutifully read most days. I talked to God now and then throughout my day, but I was a very tired mom of three young daughters, and I seemed to be asking for the same things over and over. Sleep. Energy. Quiet. 

I asked God for a more meaningful prayer life, and He answered by bringing an ancient prayer to my attention. At first I saw it as an intriguing poem, but when I learned it was a modern translation of a prayer by St. Patrick, I was fascinated! (I am interested in all things Irish.)

Christ as a light

illumine and guide me.

Christ, as a shield

overshadow me.

Christ under me;

Christ over me;

Christ beside me

on my left and my right.

This day be within and without me,

lowly and meek,

yet all-powerful.

Be in the heart of each to whom I speak;

in the mouth of each who speaks unto me.

I hummed this prayer when I did not have my own words to pray. It expressed everything I wanted to say. I felt a new peace, as I realized that Jesus Christ really does surround me as this prayer states.

One Sunday, on a vacation in Portland, Oregon, I heard a sermon on a prayer of the Apostle Paul. His requests sounded familiar to me. I began to study Paul’s prayers. They are scattered throughout the New Testament. I realized that Patrick’s prayer could be used to summarize nine of Paul’s prayer topics. (Want to know more about St. Patrick?)

I am going to visit these nine topics over the next nine days, choosing one word each day as my prayer word.

I like to begin my prayer time with a few verses from Psalms. Join me in Psalm 63:1-8.

Lord, you know my longing for a deeper prayer life.

You know I want to speak with you, not just demand your help

Or read my prayer list.

I ask for a new dedication to prayer

And a new devotion to you.

_____

I am revisiting the themes of several of my books as I seek to “just be with Jesus." Today's post is adapted from my book Sacred Signposts. I am putting aside lengthy readings for a season, and instead looking for one word or phrase to carry through the day. Today’s word, for me, is "devoted."

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Breakfast on the Beach

After Jesus rose from the dead, He appeared to His disciples several times. My favorite is His appearance on the beach to cook breakfast for His friends. (John 21:1-14) The disciples went fishing and Jesus met them on the shore, with bread and fish cooked over a fire.

The resurrected Son of God spent a morning enjoying His creation with His disciples; He could have brought them anything for that breakfast, but He used the fish that were available right there in the lake. He spent the morning fellowshipping with them in their everyday environment. And He wants to do that with us. That's what prayer is all about...fellowshipping with Him!

I read that story in John several years ago when we were about to make a long car trip to the Northwest for my father's memorial service. I thought about the disciples and Jesus and their special time of simple food and good fellowship, and I asked the Lord that I would find that kind of simple joy on our trip and that I would be aware of His presence.

He answered. The trip was full of joy! There were so many friends to visit, so many memories to remember and the Northwest Spring was beautiful.

As you read the Gospels, as you watch Jesus interact with His disciples, talk to the Lord about the fellowship you crave....fellowship with other Christ followers and fellowship with the Lord Himself.

Gratitude

I am grateful for Jesus' humble birth. Thinking of the Holy God coming to earth in this way fills me with praise.

I am extremely grateful for Jesus' death--and the salvation He gave me.

And I am grateful for His life.

None of His earthly life was lived in splendor. His neighbors still knew him as “the carpenter's son” when He began His ministry at age thirty. He traveled around Israel, teaching and healing, and He certainly didn't have luxury accommodations.

As I read the gospel accounts of Jesus' life, I see His power and His gentleness. I see Him holding children, comforting grieving families, and reaching out to sinners. Yet when confronted with hypocrisy and pride, He didn't mince words. Far from weak, when He saw God's temple filled with people who were only there to make money, He sternly drove them out!

How wonderful to serve a Savior who lived His earthly life with kindness, perfectly balanced with power. I am grateful for that.

The last week of Jesus' ministry began in triumph, though Jesus still appeared lowly and unassuming as He approached Jerusalem:

Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your King is coming to you; He is just and having salvation, lowly and riding on a donkey, a colt, the foal of a donkey. (Zechariah 9:9 NKJV)

But soon the crowds turned against Him and He faced an unjust trial. Still, the Son of God kept His power under control and responded in a meek manner:

He was oppressed and afflicted, yet He did not open His mouth. Like a lamb led to the slaughter and like a sheep silent before her shearers, He did not open His mouth. (Isaiah 53:7)

On the way to the cross, the Son of God was so weak that He stumbled and fell, and the soldiers forced someone from the crowd to carry His cross. Think about that for a moment: the Son of God—a captive.

Of course, you know the rest of the story. You know that Jesus was crucified and buried but then He rose from the dead. And suddenly His power was obvious to His believers. Yet He did not appear to them in a spectacular glory, but with gentleness and approachability.

Praise Him!

The Countdown is On

St. Patrick's Day is a month and two days away!

Who was St. Patrick anyway? Read a short summary of his life here on my other blog, Sacredsignposts.com. I'll be posting excerpts from my Sacred Signposts book on that blog between now and St. Pat's.

Psalms for Wednesday

Sometimes when I read Psalms, I am awed by the whole-hearted desire for God expressed by the authors. If I am praying these statements to God, am I being honest? Or are my desires half-hearted at best? I try to turn my thoughts and questions into prayer, asking God to give me a firmer commitment to prayer, a greater love for His word, and a consuming desire for Himself.

God, You are my God; I eagerly seek You.
I thirst for You; my body faints for You
in a land that is dry, desolate, and without water...
My lips will glorify You because Your faithful love is better than life.
So I will praise You as long as I live;
at Your name, I will lift up my hands.
You satisfy me as with rich food;
my mouth will praise You with joyful lips. (Psalm 63:1,3-5)
Your righteousness reaches heaven, God,
You who have done great things;
God, who is like You?
You caused me to experience many troubles and misfortunes,
but You will revive me again.
You will bring me up again,
even from the depths of the earth.
You will increase my honor and comfort me once again.
Therefore, with a lute I will praise You
for Your faithfulness, my God;
I will sing to You with a harp,
Holy One of Israel.
My lips will shout for joy
when I sing praise to You
because You have redeemed me. (Psalm 71:19-22)

Lord, You know my longing for a deeper prayer life. You know I want to speak with You, not just demand Your help or read my prayer list. Give me the desire, the tools, and the time.

(This blogpost is an excerpt from my Sacred Signposts book. I will be posting more excerpts at sacredsignposts.com as St. Patrick's Day approaches.)

Perhaps I should post this sort of thing on Thursdays, to join this blogging group: Thoughtful Thursday at Some Girl's Blog.

Books on the brain

My mind is full of books this week! I'll be teaching my new study, Praise Patterns, at church this fall, and a box of Praise Patterns books arrived a few days ago. It's one of my favorite moments all year: opening that box and seeing my project in print!

I posted a proposal for the study I wrote last year, Sacred Signposts, at christianmanuscriptsubmissions.com. I set up a blog specifically for Sacred Signposts: sacredsignposts.com

Meanwhile, I have a basic outline for next year's study and I'm cleaning and organizing my writing corner so I can start the process again. Next year's book doesn't have a title yet, but the sub-title is A Song of Service and Surrender. Watch this blog for more details over the next nine months or so.

Tomorrow I'm giving away a book! Come back and read the details.

Sacred Signposts: Exploring the Prayer Paths of St. Paul & St. Patrick

Sacred Signposts is a Bible study that explores the prayer paths of the Apostle Paul and St. Patrick. From the back cover:

It's easy to pray when your brakes fail or your friend is terribly sick, but is prayer part of your daily routine? How do you keep that routine vibrant and meaningful?

Sacred Signposts points you to two men of prayer: the Apostle Paul and St. Patrick. Both men were focused on Christ and devoted to prayer. This book will guide you through Paul's prayers, using one of Patrick's prayers as a poetic summary. By the end of the study you will have a personal collection of prayer and praise prompts to enrich your prayers. Each chapter has four short daily segments and a hymn.

Sacred Signposts is available for $10.00 plus shipping to residents of the United States. (E-mail grapelighthouse @ cox.net (without the spaces) to find out shipping rates to other locations, or for shipping rates if you're ordering more than 10 copies.)
To purchase Sacred Signposts, click here: