Friday, February 19, 2010

How Do I Pray?

Last night, Jim and I had a really good discussion on prayer. We looked up some verses and really enjoyed our time in God's word together...passages like Matthew's Sermon on the Mount..."ask and it shall be given"..."God gives good gifts" (reading it together brought tears to our eyes) and Jame's, "ask in faith, without doubt" and Christ's example of prayer in the garden, "take this cup from me...Your will, not mine be done."

I was kind of perplexed about how to pray specifically that God would give our baby health and strength, and yet...I wanted to pray for His will, too. My mind was having a hard time wrapping around the thought. I almost felt like I couldn't pray specifically if I was to pray for God's will, which could be anything. This study in God's word revealed that praying specifically is good...and praying for God's will is good, too. BOTH are what he wants us to do. That's exactly how Jesus prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane.

We also talked about crisis, and how it brings us exactly where God wants us to be...it's not wrong to admit that...it's human that we respond that way. It'd be nice if I were obedient and desperate for God just because I'm SUPPOSED to be...but, I know myself better than that...and so does God. If this didn't rock our world...what would? On the other hand, we also discussed that really...there IS a crisis...a DAILY crisis in our hearts. Satan vying for our attention...a constant spiritual battle that supercedes ANY physical, worldy crisis. A crisis that is really even bigger than what we're experiencing today. The crisis in our hearts should be what drags us to God daily...our DAILY crisis. Even when everything is peachy from the world's point of view, I HAVE to recognize my need for deep, intimate fellowship with God on a very regular basis. I have to be desperate to thrive spiritually. As desperate as I am for this baby to thrive physically. Intense stuff, I know. But, oh...so amazing, true and beautiful!

I'm so thankful that God is using this time in our lives...even during the unknown...to draw us closer to Himself. God is already using this baby in amazing ways. I pray that someday, he'll know just how God used him to bring Mama and Papa to their knees, humbly recognizing our need for Him and for His power in our lives. I pray that the work God is doing through this baby will not stop...that perhaps as a child...and as an adult he will still be used to point people to God. That is the prayer of my heart...

Your will be done, Father.

8 comments:

Sarah Chips said...

You are such an encouragement to me, Sarah! All too often I see people fall away from God or get mad at God because He allows a trial into their lives. It is so refreshing to see someone who sees a trial as a way to grow closer to God- no matter how hard the trial may be. Both you and Jim are in my prayers. (((hug))) Keep trusting in the King and He will give you strength and help you through what ever comes your way.

Carrie said...

Thank you for this reminder, Sarah - praying for you!!!

Chel's Leaving a Legacy said...

You should realize that God is also multiplying that work He's doing through your baby...it's for you and your husband, and your extended family, and He's also reaching out to many of us who are reading your story, and to those to whom it will be passed along. Only He knows how far-reaching His touch is through your unborn child!

To God be the glory!

melanie said...

Hey Sarah,
Thinking of you & praying! <3
It was such a surprise after seeing you all Wed night with nothing amiss.

Here's a blog I'm newly following... they are in missionary service in Bolivia. I thought maybe this post would encourage you & Jim, too.

http://missionalmamassoul.blogspot.com/2010/02/i-like-taking-hot-baths-almost-as-much.html#comments

Katie@The Baby Factory said...

Continuing to pray, Sarah.....I can't say enough how humbling your perspective is throughout this situation. Not throwing a pity party, just bowing before the Father and asking for His will and way in your lives.

On Amy {Front Porch Amy}'s blog last week, she shared a song that has been on my heart and mind ever since and completely echoes your heart's desire. I think you'll like it-- "As Long as you are glorified"

http://mommyperrott.blogspot.com/2010/02/random-dozen-valentines-day-style.html

Continuing to pray.....

Kari said...

Will pray for your family, for the baby's health, and for God's will to be done. Your post brings back vivid memories of pleading with God to spare Mishael's life, while at the same time surrendering my will to His superior plan. God's ways are mysterious and marvelous. May He be honored and praised by your transparency testimony.

Anonymous said...

This reminds me of what I went through when I was dealing with all the biopsy crud. It was like, Lord, I want healing, but I also want Your will, so where is that balance?

I think the best picture we have is Jesus in Gethsemane, when He prayed that the cup would be taken and yet NEVERTHELESS, not His will but God the Father's. If anyone should have the "right" the have His prayers answered how He wanted it was Jesus. I think you hit the nail on the head - both types of prayer are needed. God is glorified in both.

Continuing to pray for you & Jim & the baby. Thank you for being so transparent, and know that even now, God is glorified in your words.

*Hugs*

Julie said...

Im still praying for you whenever I think about it...

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