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blogging101, Faith and Writing, Journaling, Lent 2016, Prayer, Quotes, Writing 101, Writing Prompts
Lent Photo-A-Day (February 10 – March 27, 2016)
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Day 9 — Simplicity
Simplicity is one of those words that lends itself to so many things when it comes to faith. But what came to mind immediately was the simplicity of a child in prayer.
Why is it that as we get older praying becomes harder and harder? Why do we have to take Sunday School classes about or do Bible studies about what prayer is? How to pray? Where to pray? Not in public, but in a private closet. Does that mean an actual closet? On my knees? Good grief no! If I got down on my knees now I’d never get up! In bed? Best way I know to fall asleep in a minute or two.
Do we pray by a formula like ACTS? Adoration first, then confession, then thanksgiving, and finally supplication? Or how about the Prayer of Jabez that was all the rage for awhile? “Oh that you would bless me indeed and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from the evil one.”
Why does it have to be so hard? I remember being in one prayer class when I first gave my heart to Jesus where all I could do was giggle when I was supposed to be silent and praying. I also remember being very distressed as a young mother who, if I really wanted to go into my prayer closet, had to hide out in the toity — usually with the kids hollering, “Mom! Where are you?”
I don’t think it’s supposed to be that hard. For me, even though God and I have this real push me/pull me dynamic going on, when I pray it feels more like this:
Most of the time these days I can’t say a word. I don’t even KNOW what to say because I’ve prayed the same prayers so often and they just seem to bounce off the ceiling. So at least for this part of my life journey, all I can do is SIMPLY hold on to Jesus and let him sort it out. After all, if anyone can do that, it will be him…`
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Prayer is not asking. It is a longing of the soul.
It is daily admission of one’s weakness.
It is better in prayer to have a heart without words
than words without a heart.
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Mahatma Gandhi
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Picture Credits:
Child praying — fbcmagdalena.com
Jesus and child — aprimarysingingtime.blogspot.com
Impromptu Promptlings 
Love, love, love the Ghandi quote.
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Sometimes you gotta let the Spirit find the right words, don’t ya think? 🙂
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I pray every night as I get into my hour long bath, I believe you can pray to Our Lord anywhere, I taught my Sons that. Our Lord is always there listening.
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Yes. That’s one reason why I don’t bother with formal, traditional prayers. I just
holler atchattered on to God all day long. I’m pretty sure he gets about as tired of me being in his ear as Plato does! LOL But we just talk. No formal prayer requests. I think I’ve gotten to the point where if you don’t ask, you can’t be disappointed — sorry to say.LikeLiked by 1 person
He is your Friend, I have always believed he was my true Friend.
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I know. And he puts up with a lot from me!!!
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I believe in prayer. We put our thoughts hopes etc. Out there and that is powerful
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That’s where the “simplicity” comes in, I know. My thoughts the 18 months have been far from simple. I don’t even know how to express half of what I’m thinking or feeling in prayer. I’ve never had a gift for prayer anyway. My tendency is to be agitated when I prayer. You are gifted, Donna. 🙂 {{{Donna}}}
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Hmm thank you but I think any type of prayer is lije meditation
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I meant like it helps to relieve us from stress by just releasing agitation .
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I think you’re right. I’ve always believed the act of praying was for our benefit rather than God’s or the Universe or whatever your higher power is considered to be.
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I just……Talk. Sometime just in my head, other times,while soul strolling, out loud. I’ve even raised my voice a time or two or three. All I know is this, whoever he/she is up there…has listen ’cause they’ve given me signs. No one will Ever tell me differently!!!
BTW…..your nailing this Lent Thing!!! ☺️❤️🙏
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Yeah. I’m one that’s always looking for signs, too. Of course it does help if you’re in an attitude of listening and watching. My mind seems to be in a constant state of oblivion anymore. 😦
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Believe me, I have/had those moments.
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On my knees? Good grief no! If I got down on my knees now I’d never get up! In bed? LOL!!! ? Prayer ? For me it’s about having a chat with God. He’s got big shoulders, He can take whatever I dish out 🙂
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That’s the way I see him, too. Otherwise I’d be in deep trouble! 😉
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