Pathway to PeaceUzorak

 

Wailing Wall - Jerusalem

Come to Me - Prayer

Recap: Acknowledge your stress, determine its’ sources, seek Him first

My mind was set upon many things, life closely resembling the anxious world spoken to throughout scripture.  Modern day Martha plus.  My short prayer at gate A-23 fostered a more peaceful state of mind as I handed some of the weight I carried to God.  For the moment, it freed my mind for less stressful pursuits, like simply observing the lively airport scene unfolding around me as the evening rush materialized.

In Matthew 11:28 Jesus said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”  That always sounded very appealing.  I was weary and burdened, but what did Jesus mean?  What is God’s rest and how could I get there?  Would it last?  

God’s rest is a place where we experience the reality that we are firmly in His hands and content in His presence and care. What happened yesterday or what may happen tomorrow does not distort the scenery. We are asleep in the boat with Jesus amidst the storm, at peace with our temporary and eternal dispositions. God’s rest is a peace that cannot be taken from us by circumstances. It can be challenged but never taken away. 

Prayer is a simple and powerful way to begin the process of making God’s rest our reality.  The airport prayer was one-off and situational, and it helped, but absent a miracle, sustainability of the peace I acquired would be elusive.  Sustainability requires spiritual and personal transformation.  Regular prayer is a powerful place to begin.

King David was exceptionally good at this.  In Psalm 42 we find him alone, mourning his inability to feel God’s presence, like us sometimes.  David alternates between expressing deep grief (lamenting) and praising God.  At a time when we might give up, David purposefully recalls great times with God and the joy of His presence.  David sought God’s spiritual intervention by transparently going to Him at his darkest hour and lamenting and praising Him, even when God seemed silent.  Psalms reflect what deep, heartfelt communication with God can look like. 

How we pray is personal.  Jesus provides guidance in Matthew 6:5-13 reciting the “Lord’s Prayer”.  It covers all the bases but sets no limits.  We can lament our mountains, our pain, and our fears.  We can praise God and thank Him for all He has done and will do.  He encourages us to ask with specificity.  We can ask His forgiveness and He will say yes.  He is a God of pardon and grace.  Authentically communicating our hearts with Him is what He desires.  

The Creator desires a deep connection with each of us and is always present and available.  The persistent discipline of authentic prayer will lay the groundwork for major life-transformation and help build a lasting peace.  

How can you successfully incorporate prayer into your life?