What is the hardest thing for you in regard to your personal prayer time?
Mine is getting distracted by my wandering thoughts and ideas. Before I know it, I’m distracted and searching the internet for something that popped in my mind or adding something to my calendar I need to do.
Posted in Prayer
Prayer
Have you given up on praying because it’s too hard? Too boring? You don’t know what to pray?
“Hi, my name is Sandy and I’m a prayer quitter!”
I’ve even written a book on prayer, but sometimes I admit I don’t want to pray!
And then comes the guilt, the self-doubt, the lack of faith.
If you’ve ever experienced these feelings, welcome to “Pray-ers Anonymous” — a group where we can be totally honest about our failure to pray and even about our lack of desire and motivation to pray! Our members include pastors, Bible teachers, missionaries and average Christians like us.
Come explore with other believers how to revitalize your prayer live!
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You also might want to join my BeADisciple.com5-week online class—LORD, ITS BORING IN MY PRAYER CLOSET beginning July 8th. Participants sign on and complete weekly assignments at their own pace as well as participate in an online forum discussion on prayer.
We use my book by the same title as the basis for the course.
Sign up for course here: http://bit.ly2EXBwmd
Link to book on Amazon: amzn.to/2F81PpUw
I’ll be teaching an online 5-week class with BeADisciple.com beginning July 8th on the topic of PRAYER. It’s based on my book, LORD, ITS BORING IN MY PRAYER CLOSET (How to Revitalize Your Prayer Life)
“Go deeper in your prayer life in this 5-week course. Based on a book by the same title, this course is taught by the author Sandra Chambers. In her book, Sandra shares her own struggles and victories as she has sought to overcome boredom in prayer and answer the question: “If prayer is so important, why is it so hard?” During this five-week study, participants will examine their own prayer life and be challenged to see and experience prayer in some new ways. Emphasis is on putting into practice what you are learning about prayer.”
Be still, and know that I am God. (Psalm 46:10)
Does the world seem to be speeding up, keeping you in a whirlwind of activity? Even if you do take a break, is your mind constantly distracted? Our generation has embraced technology like no other generation, and while this can have a positive influence in our lives, it can also be very detrimental.
I’ve noticed that whenever I take a break, I often pick up my iPad to check my e-mail, catch up with friends on Facebook or even play a game of solitaire. My mind seems to need constant stimulation—a documented, scientific danger of our media-absorbed society. When I try to read the Word, my mind wanders. When I try to pray, my mind flits and flirts with a million thoughts. STILLNESS ELUDES ME!
Recently, I was reading a daily devotion from Streams in the Desert, and the phrase the power of stillness jumped out at me: “Is there anything that can touch our hearts like the power of stillness? Deep within the center of our soul is a chamber of peace where God lives, and where, if we will enter it and quiet all the other sounds, we can hear his gentle whisper. (1 Kings 19:12)
“Even in the fastest wheel that is turning, if you look at the center, where the axle is found, there is no movement of all. And even in the busiest life, there is a place where we may dwell alone with God in eternal stillness.”
No other season of the year is busier than the Christmas season. While Christmas is meant to bring us God’s gift of PEACE and JOY, we can’t receive it if we don’t quiet our hearts and minds enough to allow God to be in the center of our lives (the axle of the wheel).
I’m challenging myself, and you, to take time during this Advent season to experience the power of stillness. Take time to listen to the words of Christmas carols. Read the Christmas story and ponder its meaning in your life. Set aside time to pray and listen for God’s still, small voice.
This Christmas season may you discover a new gift–the power of stillness.
Posted in Christian Holidays, Meditation, Peace, Prayer, Thankfulness
by Andy Lee
My friend Andy Lee has written one of the best blogs I’ve ever read on how to forgive and FORGET! I wanted to share it with you. Visit Andy on her site at: wordsbyandylee.com
Forgiveness is almost impossible sometimes. We know we should. We want to, but the memories keep the pain alive. Unforgiveness is dangerous. It can cause sickness and stress and makes us bitter, angry people. It is the root of the problems in many friendships, marriages, and working relationships. On our own we can’t do it. We need help. We Need Enabling Grace. Continue reading
Click on book for direct link to Amazon.
