I was on a plane a few weeks ago sitting next to a very nice lady who was reading Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire by Jim Cymbala. Although the book came out years ago I never got around to reading it. Although I didn’t want to interrupt her (she was devouring the book) I couldn’t help myself. I asked her what she thought of it. She gushed on and on about the impact the book had had on her prayer life.
“I’ll have to pick it up” was my quick response. I knew she wanted to get back to her book.
About an hour later she said, “I’m done. It’s yours. You need to read this book.”
She was right.
Although I’m only half way through I’m already convicted about my prayer life. It’s not that I don’t pray a lot. I do. My day is full of short prayers to my big God. From time to time I go to a park and walk and pray (yes I’m barely coordinated enough to do both at the same time…but no gum chewing.) It’s during these times where I lay out my case before God. I also journal my prayers when I’m moved to do so.
So what was I convicted about if it was not for a lack of praying?
I was convicted by my tendency to view anything and everything else as the first solution and prayer as a secondary back up plan. When we face a financial challenge or logistical nightmare or personnel problem at Dare 2 Share my first reaction is to take matters into my own hands instead of laying it at His feet.
If we are lacking money to fund Dare 2 Share I tend to get on the phone with donors first (instead of the hotline to heaven.) If we are lacking ideas to expand Dare 2 Share I tend to go away for a time of brainstorming first (instead of storming heaven with my request.) If we are lacking in wisdom on how to solve a problem at Dare 2 Share I tend to go to our internal problem solving people first (instead of the Providential Problem Solver.)
How stupid is that? Forrest Gump stupid. And stupid is as stupid does. And stupid does instead of prays.
I don’t know about you but I’m tired of being dumb and dumber when it comes to my prayer life. It’s not enough to pray often. I must pray first.
“Lord, teach me to go to you first. Help me to realize that ultimately you are the only one who can truly guide and provide. You are the one who works in the hearts of men and women to accomplish your will. You are the fountain source of wisdom, strength, provision and protection. Forgive me for looking to myself and my means first. Forgive me for looking to our donors first. Forgive me for seeking to solve problems that can only be solved with Divine wisdom. Thank you for re-energizing me to pray often, passionately and first.”
Life is like a box of chocolates,
