Scripture
Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know
how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with sighs
too deep for words. And God, who searches the heart, knows what is
the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints
according to the will of God. —Romans 8:26–27
Reflection
If prayers were dollars, I’d be bankrupt!
Oh, I know, now and then
I go online and slip in a few praises,
a couple of thank-yous, and a shopping list.
But shouldn’t prayer be more than that?
A cool drink of water. A splash of sunset.
A dog’s bark. A violin solo.
If prayer were seeing the color of morning,
tasting the salt air of seaside,
or feeling the bite of winter wind,
I’d still be bankrupt.
It’s happening all around me
and I fail to drink it in.
Sipping life isn’t prayer unless you taste it.
Let me roll it around on my tongue a little.
I really must turn the light on
and see what’s there.
I think if I could, that would be prayer!
—Danny Belrose, Let the Spirit Breathe: Personal Psalms,
Prayers, and Pieces, 13.
Action
To increase your awareness, make a gratitude list for the specific
gifts you received from God yesterday (air to breathe, health, friends,
sunrise, etc.). Do you have enough paper for your list? Is there enough
paper in the world? What would a “sigh too deep for words” sound and feel
like? Try it.
Prayer
As you go through this day, pray for the sensitivity to recognize
God’s presence in your journey. Say a prayer of thanksgiving for God’s
continuing revealment in your life, in the church, and in the world. |
