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The Sparks Notes
The Sparks Notes
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Hi Lauren! I love how you call our short prayers “arrow prayers”. I guess I never thought of them that way. But I do love to shoot up a prayer or two, or however many I need to every day. I’m so glad God is always willing to hear my prayers.
And as you pointed out it’s all because of what Jesus has done. Thanks for a wonderful reminder to lift it up to Him today. Blessings!
Thank you, Connie.
I love the description of the Muslim girl preparing to pray. Each step is so intentional and it feels sacred. I think of how I just swoop in to pray in the morning without too much preparation. I like the idea of prayer appointments. Thank you for getting me thinking.
Thank you, Mary.
Hi Lauren. I am working on Jerusalem and have a ministry to the Muslims. When I hear the call to prayer it quickens my heart to pray as well. I guess it helps since I have a little Adhd to have set times to pray. Maybe you would like to be a guest post on my blog and share this post on my blog?
Of course, Laura. Would love to open this up to your readers as well!
Hi Lauren,
At first I didn’t know where you were going with this but as I read I totally understood.
I came out of a ritualized belief system to a personal relationship with God through Jesus, so for me having the freedom through Jesus to approach God’s Throne of grace any time & any place is very important to me. While making a time each day for scripture meditation & prayer as well. I personally need both 😉
Blessings,
Jennifer
Agreed, Jennifer. Thank you for weighing in!
Such a lovely and thought provoking post. My dining room and simply walking around my home is my favorite places.
Thank you for the reminder of prayer walking my house, Chrissy. I haven’t done that in a while!
I am the same with my “arrow” prayers as you stated. Knowing we can always go to Him is a huge honor that we’ve been given. I also have my longer prayer times but I have to admit that I’ve become less disciplined recently and this is a reminder for me, especially because lately my days have been taking constant turns so setting a more specific appointment is a good thing!!
I am in the same boat, April. I’m thankful for His gentle nudges.
I love the Corrie ten Boom quote. I have one of her quotes about worry rolling around in my head. I am trying to find something worthwhile to say about it. I, like you, usually do the “arrow prayer” method of praying (I love your term!) It seems to fit the American lifestyle. We give a quick, short shout out to God whenever it suits us. The description of the intentionality and reverence of the Muslim girl approaching her prayers is moving. God hears both of us, I think, but the ritual benefits the person who prays, as all rituals are for the participant, not for God. Beautifully written piece, Lauren!
Thank you for these thoughts, Laurie.
Lauren, what a beautiful post. These words encouraged me, “I need to pencil in open-Bible time to pray God’s words back to Him, to praise Him and to lift up my wants and needs. And I can’t forget to schedule that listening time.”
I needed this today.
Blessings,
Tammy
I’m glad it was helpful to you, Tammy. Thank you for telling me.
How much more should our prayer life be both disciplined and vibrant to the God Who love us and sent His Son to die that we might have real relationship with our Father God? Such a good word here.
Thank you so much, Elizabeth!
What a great reminder of the importance and sacredness of prayer time. God calls us to give Him the first fruits of everything we have — including our time, effort, and energy. That means we must approach our prayer life with preparation and thoughtfulness.
First fruits is such a good point! I don’t know that I’ve ever thought of it in relation to prayer.
Beautiful post, beautiful words #anythinggoes@_karendennis
Thank you, Karen. Glad to have you visit today.
Lauren, I am not a good sleeper so I am up till early morning hours a lot and it drives me to my knees. So, yes, early morning is my favorite time, especially after I have spent some time trying to figure things out in my own mind. I do quick prayers also because my day is pretty busy and when they are answered its like someone shines a light in my heart to confirm He hears me no matter when and how long my prayers are. He knows my day, my frame, my hardships, my time more then I do. Love this post.
Thank you, Betty.
Love the ‘arrow prayers’ myself. It makes me think of Paul’s admonishment to pray without ceasing, because we’re thinking about and talking to God throughout our days. But there’s definitely a place for scheduled prayers too, which isn’t my strong point.
Mine either, Ashley. But I’m working on it.
Good thoughts. How we should long to spend regular time with the One who loves us so much! It really takes intentionality some times.
Yes. So many distractions – even with good intentions.
Laura, thank you for this post! At first, I wasn’t sure where we were going with it. As Western Christians, we should be ashamed at how flippantly we use, or underuse, our prayer life. It’s the most powerful tool we have in our Christian toolbelt, yet so very neglected. Thanks for the reminder and great post! And thanks for linking up at InstaEncouragements!
My pleasure, Patsy. Thank you for hosting.
“How often do I go throughout my days in my own strength, not stopping to ask for His help, much less to just acknowledge His presence and nearness.” This jumped out at me. We can learn a lot from others.
Glad it spoke to you, Theresa. Praying God’s blessings on you today.
I realize that there is danger in ritual. It can quickly become “the thing” rather than the practice it is meant to encourage, and yet I am drawn to the purposeful cleansing and the show and tell of a physical act that precedes a spiritual discipline. My prayer life continually needs anchors, and I appreciated this post that encourages me to up my game when I’m in the presence of Almighty God.
Yes, Michele. Agreed. Thank u.
Great post, Lauren, on being intentional with prayer. I love the idea of both arrow prayers and appointment prayers. We need both!
Yes! I am enjoying the process of breaking out of the prayer life rut I have been in.
I appreciate how your friend carefully and thoughtfully observes the people she is trying to reach for Christ. And the truth she is able to glean from her observations is a treasure. I agree with Ten Boom’s statement on making and keeping appointments with God. A wake up call for me!
As a Catholic I am rather traditional & pray in church – it’s where I feel most at peace #ablogginggoodtime
I love that you feel peaceful at church! Thanks for weighing in.