So I know it has been a while since my last blog post. Truthfully, I have been thinking about how to go about writing what has been on my heart lately. And now, here I am, goin' for it and hoping this makes sense. Today I want to talk about prayer. I think that just about anyone who reads this and believes in Jesus would agree that prayer is important. Right? Now how would you feel if I told you that I hated to pray? Probably insulted, hurt, or you might just stop reading. But, honestly, that is exactly how I used to feel much of the time growing up. I don't mean hate as in despise but more like hate as in I did not appreciate it or care much about it. I did not find a lot of meaning in it. Scary right? Well do not be too alarmed because the older I get, the more I understand about the awesome power that prayer has in life. And it is that kind of power that I want to talk about today.
It all started about 2 weeks ago. I was reading this book called This Present Darkness by Frank Peretti. Maybe you have heard about it. If not, read it. I am a fan of fiction and this novel blends the truth of spiritual warfare with a story that provides an extremely vivid perspective of angels and demons very literally battling over human souls.
Usually everyone says that when they read a good book they can't put it down. For me, it was so good that I found myself putting it down all the time. The book was all about the power of prayer and how much God uses prayer as a weapon against the enemy. There were times while reading that I was so moved by the Spirit that I had to put the book down to pray. And what's more, I couldn't stop!
I was at a mid-week gathering at my church and this particular meeting was focused on prayer. The whole time we prayed. We prayed as a group, we prayed in smaller groups, we prayed out loud, we prayed to ourselves. We just prayed. And something in that meeting was stirring me. Shaking me up. I was feeling the power of the Holy Spirit and it was weird. I was being empowered in my prayers and I couldn't stop!
Since reading that book and going to these prayer meetings, I have not been able to stop praying. I feel like a regular Brother Lawrence. This guy was a monk in like the 17th century who dedicated his life to communion with God. The times during the day when he was told to pray was just out of obligation. The rest of the day was really his time of prayer, spending every minute with God in everything that he did. Right now, that is me. I drive a school bus and I have found myself shutting the radio off and praying for each of my kids as they get on the bus individually. I have been shutting my car radio off during long trips to talk to God about everything and pray for everyone I could think of. And there are more times than I can remember that I have no idea what to pray for and that is when I pray for God to search me and give me the words to speak. He is God afterall. I think he can figure out what we want and need to pray for without us actually saying anything.
And you know how you are laying in bed at the end of the day and you realize that you forgot to pray that day so you try to pray right there in bed? What happens? You fall asleep right in the middle of your prayer. Don't lie, we all have done it. I have been in a place where I haven't fallen asleep trying to talk to God but rather fallen asleep with God. With all of my thoughts and devotions on him as I fall asleep. There is a big difference that is hard to describe but trust me there is.
And what is most excellent about all of this is the way God talks back. Even in the most mundane thing like hitting all green lights on the way home from work I can remember to thank God. And then I hit that one red and it's like God is telling me, "Don't forget to wait on me Brandon, I provide but its because of me that you are getting home today, not your awesome driving skills." Haha, prayer has been opening my heart and mind to see God in every part of my life and I don't want it any other way.
Thanks for sticking it out with my long posts! Really I just wanted to share with you all how awesome and exciting prayer can be. There are still times when I get too relaxed with my prayer. God usually lets me know that. There are times when it doesn't seem like he is answering but I just need to look at it from a different perspective and I will see his answer. The World Race is going to strengthen my prayers, I have no doubt. And I am sure that God has some sweet and creative ways of talking back, and I can't wait to listen!
The Man With Unclean Lips,
Brandon Barnum
