| I have been reading a fantastic book this past week. With my busy schedule, I have to commit to things like this; otherwise, books go half-read. The focus of this book could be summed up in the word prayer. As I worked through the first few chapters, I couldn’t wait to share some of these thoughts because they stirred my heart so much! I will share one statement that seemed to smack me upside the head, getting my full attention: “Prayer cannot truly be taught by principles and seminars and symposiums. It has to be born out of a whole environment of felt need. If I say, “I ought to pray,” I will soon run out of motivation and quit; the flesh is too strong. I have to be driven to pray.” – Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire | Jim Cymbala How often have I told myself I need to pray more, yet my actions reveal that I am not truly overwhelmed by my need for the Lord or His intervention in a particular situation? My heart isn’t moved to fervent prayer for those around me…the lost, the needy, and the hurting. Even in my circumstances throughout the day, I turn to emotions of disappointment, worry, or frustration rather than lifting my needy heart to the Lord in prayer. The truth is…I NEED HIM. Prayer is the correct response, and we are admonished to “pray without ceasing” ( 1 Thess. 5:17). If you haven’t heard the song “I Can’t Even Walk,” the chorus has a good reminder for us all: Oh Lord, I can’t even walk without you holding my hand The mountains too high and the valleys too wide Down on my knees that’s where I learned to stand Oh Lord, I can’t even walk without you holding my hand |
| Be encouraged. Chad |
