Circle of prayer

© 2012 Julie Crane All rights reserved

 Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18))

I always try to start my morning prayers with thanks and praise. Mostly because He is so worthy. Mostly because I need to be reminded. It is good for my heart, mind and soul to spend a minute or two remembering all the good the Lord has shown me, extended to me.

But then begins my litany of unending intercessory prayer. Oh, the names or circumstances shift and change, but there always seems to be plenty of people needing the Lord’s help – right now – today. And in some cases, tomorrow for sure too. These are really heartfelt, some heart-wrenching prayers. It would be easy to get caught up in the stress, pain and drama of their circumstances and just sit and wonder and worry – how is it ever going to get smoothed out?

That’s when I need to circle back to the thanks and praise part of prayer again. Mostly because He is so worthy. Mostly because I need to be reminded.

Thank You, Lord, that You see all this in perfect detail and are involved in every life

Thank You for being perfect in wisdom, power and love

Thank You for Your faithfulness

Thank You You know what You’re doing

Thank You for blessed assurance

Thank You for Your comforting presence whenever we choose to focus on You

Thank You for being our Light, our Guide, our Way

Amen.

Love You Still

© 2012 Julie Crane All rights reserved

As the heavens are higher than the earth,
    so are my ways higher than your ways
    and my thoughts than your thoughts.
¹⁰ As the rain and the snow
    come down from heaven,
and do not return to it
    without watering the earth
and making it bud and flourish,
    so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater,
¹¹ so is my word that goes out from my mouth:
    It will not return to me empty,
but will accomplish what I desire
    and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. (Isaiah 55:9-11)

Lord, I LOVE seeing the snowflakes cascade so beautifully past my window this morning! I am so thankful for the time I have to enjoy them. I am thankful for my steaming cup of coffee and my warm and delicious bowl of oatmeal. I'm thankful for this rocking chair and the comfy blanket over my lap. Lord, You are so wonderful! Too wonderful for words!

But I'm going to have to go out and shovel pretty soon. And my grateful heart may take a hard left and lack the appreciation I am feeling right now for Your beautiful creative handiwork.

Thank You for loving me just as I am. Thank You too for the ups and downs ... and then more ups - in this life. Truly, You are a great God and I love You so!

Amen.

Tell me a story

© 2013 Julie Crane All rights reserved

Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates ... (Deuteronomy 11:18-20)

I woke up early. Too early. Just couldn't sleep any longer. Sat in the quiet with a good book. Whether its early morning or mid-afternoon, who doesn't like curling up with a book by a favorite author?

In the stillness, long before the day should begin, I was free to linger and read slowly. Taking the time to savor the descriptions written, the detail on every page. This morning I was fascinated by how the writer was able to paint scenes and emotions by just using words. How vivid! How tangible ... 

A writer must have to sit for extended periods of time with eyes closed to imagine every nuance and then somehow recreate it for others. And to express it as deeply. Must take time. Must take focus. Be intentional. There can be no multi-tasking here. Every sense on high alert; seeking; being fully present; examining from every angle.

Oh, that we were all able to slow down and fully appreciate the gifts of God that intently. To not just rattle off a list of counted blessings, but to examine and delight and just spend undivided mindful thought on even one of God's great overflowing of blessings.

To sit and hear the furnace kick on, watch the movement of the curtain near the register, the cats rhythmic purring, the gentle rock of my chair, the steam from my coffee cup, the comfort of my old flannel robe ...

I would like to encourage you to try your hand at the "writer's eye" and take a break from your rushing and multi-tasking. A "savor break". Take hold of something beautiful and relish it from every angle. Allow yourself to be present. Allow yourself to linger. Delight. Enjoy.

As the writer sees deeply, may you too immerse yourself in the blessings of the Lord.

What will you write today?

Take your child to work day

© 2012 Julie Crane All rights reserved

Jesus gave them this answer: “Very truly I tell you, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does. For the Father loves the Son and shows him all he does. Yes, and he will show him even greater works than these, so that you will be amazed. (John 5:19-20)

Even if you've never done this, you understand the concept. A child gets to go to work with mom or dad; follow them wherever they go; even get to do some of the things the more experienced adult is doing. Hands-on training! Both parent and child are delighted. What fun to show them the ropes. What fun to be with the parent and help with things. 

Serving the Lord should be much the same way. Many of us have confused the meaning of "servant" as someone who stands and waits for orders, then runs off to do them on our own. 

But can you imagine Jesus having a great time, actually enjoying His work - and inviting you to join in? Wouldn't that be awesome? To follow Him wherever He goes. To get to do some of the things He is doing. Learning from His experience and knowledge. I bet Jesus would love that. I bet the experience of serving Him, alongside Him, would be so much more enjoyable!

So, look around. Where do you see the Lord at work around you? Where do you see His smiling face beckoning you to come? Ask Him. Seek Him out. See what the Lord is doing. Join in - do whatever He is doing. Jesus would love to show you all He does.

You will be amazed!

God rest ye ...

You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. (Isaiah 26:3)

My cat Mandy has been choking on hairballs. She won't cough them up. Sounds horrible. Distressful. Every day I pray for healing. And thank God for every minute she isn't choking; every minute she is at peace and can rest.

Probably sounds like such a minor thing to be praying about. But it also caused me to think of many on my prayer list who are living in distress. People who are suffering every day. And their loved ones at their side. Watching constantly. And waiting. On red alert every minute of the day. And longing for respite. Relief. Rest and peace. 

God rest ye ...

So many things out of our control. But there are some things in our control. Rest comes from the Lord. So go to the Lord. 

My prayer this morning was for all in need; for all clinging to the promises of God - that your prayers would not feel empty. That God would not feel unresponsive. But as you bow your head and whisper, or let the tears fall, a peace that passes understanding, a strength that passes understanding would fill you. May every provision God extends, be received and used to the praise and glory of His holy name. 

Step away. Bow your head. Surrender your anxieties. Open your hands, heart and mind to the peace God offers. Receive it. Breathe it in. Do this throughout your day. Let Him fill you. Let Him comfort you. Let Him strengthen you. Be steadfast in this. Let Him see you through.

God rest ye ...

As time goes by

© 2012 Julie Crane All rights reserved

The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let the one who hears say, “Come!” Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life. (Revelation 22:17)
My husband and I recently celebrated our 8th wedding anniversary. It's interesting to look back ... 

We've grown in love and trust. In the beginning, we made a choice to pursue this relationship. We spent time together. Got to know about each other. Sometimes he did things for me. Sometimes I did things for him. And at some point, decided that this is a person I want in my life every day. Through every up and down of life. Yes, there are days when I am mad at him. We don't always see eye to eye. And there are also days when I can't stand how happy I am to have him in my life.

My relationship with the Lord began much the same way. One day I made a choice to pursue this relationship. I spent time in prayer and in the Word. Got to know about Him. Sometimes He did things for me. Sometimes I did things for Him. And at some point, I decided that this is a Person I want in my life every day. Through every up and down of life. Yes, there are days when I am mad at Him. We don't always see eye to eye. And there are also days when I can't stand how happy I am to have Him in my life.

Spending time together, nurturing the relationship on a consistent basis ... growing deeper in love and trust. That is my wish for you and the Lord in 2018.

God bless!

Does prayer really work?

© 2013 Julie Crane All rights reserved

Then Jesus asked, “But who do you say I am?” Peter answered, “You are the Christ.” (Mark 8:29)


My morning prayer started off with a "everyone needs You, Lord". Everyone has troubles and worries and wants freedom from them. Does prayer always bring peace?

I guess it depends on how you pray. An exhaustive list of bad news can be overwhelming and depressing. Its only when I start reminding myself of God's character that I begin to relax my shoulders, steady my breathing, unclench my jaw.

What are the words I focus on when I lift up my concerns to God? God is good. And God is good to me. Strong too. Wise. All-wise. Almighty. Loving. Caring. Present. Generous. Patient. Merciful. The Lord has helped before - the Lord will help again. Healer. Miracle Worker. Savior. Powerful. Faithful. Trustworthy. All-knowing. Nothing is impossible for God. God of Lightness. God of Hope. Yes! God of Hope! Now, when I respond to every burden and care with all that ... I catch myself taking a big cleansing sigh. A sigh of relief. Someone bigger that you and I is involved and at work. The end of my wisdom is not the end. He's got the whole world in His hands. Do not be afraid.

Seek first the glorious kingdom of God.
Seek first all God's amazing character traits. Say Who He is.
And see for yourself - prayer at work.