Why Pray!?

 

Pray! - Facing Jerusalem was primarily born out of three areas that are close to my heart and that I'm often challeged by: direction, belonging, and obedience. 

Even from childhood I was always fascinated with maps, geography and what lay beyond the horizon. From a hilltop or while looking out of an airplane window I would often ask myself which way was north, or which way was some place and how far away it might be. Whenever I came across a globe map, I would immediately pinpoint my location on it and let my imagination wander to faraway lands.

"So this is my place in the world!", I would tell myself, enjoying the fleeting moment before it floated away. Family ties, race, ethnicity, nationality, politics, socioeconomics and all the baggage that comes with them can sometimes make you wonder what your place is, and where exactly in the world is it.

Someone showed up one day and told me, "I do not cast you out. I receive you!" (John 6:37) And offered me a place, as part of His family, in His home and at His table. Took my old worn and dirty clothes and gave me new clean ones. Gave me a map and an example to follow. And as slow as I have been to understand and do everything He told me, He is always by my side, willing to forgive and wanting to have long conversations with me. Such stubborn and faithful love I have not found anywhere else.

After many years I have come to understand that sometimes the trials and tribulations we go through in life are meant not only to mold our character and help us grow in discipline, but also for  us to experience God's mercy and comfort so that then we can comfort others (2 Corinthians. 1:3-4). And yes, a little pulling one's ear every now and then helps. But I can confidently tell you this, if you need direction, He is your compass (John 14:6). If you need belonging, He can give you a family and a home (John 1:12, John 14:2-3). If your desobedience stands in your way of walking with Him, run to Him still (1 John 1:9, Hebrews 12:5-13, 1 Peter 5:7).

So here goes... something. I send this humble effort and labor of love across the internet hoping that it will reach someone. And if it does, even if it's only one person, it will have been enough (Matt. 18:12-13). He can reach you right where you are (John 4:21-24). Shalom!

 

What a friend we have in Jesus,
All our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry
Everything to God in prayer!
Oh, what peace we often forfeit,
Oh, what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry
Everything to God in prayer! 

- Joseph M. Scriven, 1855 

 

Photo credits: 

* Signpost ( Gerd Altmann  )

* Heart Puzzle  | ( PIRO4D  )