Heart Prayer

“It is the heart that prays, it is to the voice of the heart that God listens and it is the heart that he answers.” –Jean-Nicholas Grou, quoted in Prayer (p.132)

This week…

Let the cry of your heart rise before God.

Know that He hears the deep places of joy, pain and longing.

Listen as He responds to your heart.

Be open to the places He challenges you to trust Him.

Respond to the ways He invites you to act in new ways.

Live fully aware of His presence.

 ***

“Praise be to the Lord, for he has heard my cry for mercy.

The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him and he helps me.

My heart leaps for joy and with my song I praise Him.”  Psalm 28:6-7

***

Grace and peace be ours in abundance as we cry out with our hearts and wait on the Lord knowing that He hears, He loves, and He answers.

Jessica :)

A Paste List

A few weeks ago when Crossroads was going through a series, "The Backyard Gospel," I thought our pastor shared a very interesting idea when he talked about how he prays for his friends who are not believers. 

He has a “paste list.”

He, simply, writes their name on a list that he keeps on his bathroom mirror.  Each day as he spends time brushing his teeth, he prays that they might come to know the freedom that comes from relationship with Christ. 

He shared that he was beginning this practice again. 

He had to make a new list. 

Because his old list?  The people who were on it are all walking with Christ now.

This got me to thinking. 

How often do I pray for my friends who don’t know who Jesus is?

I used to pray right regular for them.  But lately, I confess I’ve not been very faithful.

I do believe prayer works. 

So why do I fail to make time for something that is this important—the lives of my friends?

I do care.  I want to faithfully pray them across the threshold of faith.

So, today, I made a paste list.

I like something pretty to look at, so I pulled out my scrapbook supplies.

I choose green cardstock for the new life I hope they will lead in Christ. 

I place on white a sticker with leaves that reminds me of the growth that comes when we walk with Him. 

I write in pen the words that Peter spoke to the Lord.

“We have come to believe and know that you are the Holy One of God.” 

I want them to speak this too.  I want them to be disciples who follow Him, like Peter. Even though the walk will not always be easy.  Even though they might stumble. And even when others around them become deserters, as it was when Peter spoke it.

I write their names, dark print on light.  Each one of them loved ones.

I put tape on the back of this list and fix it to the mirror. 

  

So whenever I come or go from the bathroom I can pick a name and pray.  A new habit.

And I hope I will pray them right into the Kingdom.

***

Grace and peace be ours in abundance as we spend time lifting up the names of our dear ones who have yet to taste the goodness of the Lord.  May we be faithful friends in prayer and conversation.  May He draw them near—wooing and winning their hearts with His love.

Jessica :)

Be Still and Wait Patiently

This week…

    

“Be still in the presence of the Lord,and wait patiently for him to act.”  Psalm 37:7 NLT

When you wake…Be still in the presence of the Lord. 

Offer up this day.

When you’re sitting in traffic…Be still. 

Take time to talk with Him.

As you’re standing in the grocery store line…Be still and wait for Him to act. 

Be a vessel of His grace.

In the midst of conversation—at home, at work, or out and about…Wait patiently for Him to act.

Take notice of what will make these souls stronger.

When you pull out your Bible to read a bit…Be still in the presence of the Lord. 

What might He want you to respond to?

When the decisions are big and you don’t know what to do…Be still in the presence of the Lord and wait patiently for Him to act.  

How might He be leading?

When you’re in bed after the lights are out…Be still in the presence of the Lord. 

And rest in Him.

In the fullness of your schedule...make space to be still in the presence of the Lord and wait patiently for Him.

You’ll be glad you did.

Grace and peace be ours in abundance as we are still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him to act.  May it lead to worship, action, obedience and joy.

Jessica :)