simple

I started reading a book on my vacation - it's called 'A Praying Life' by Paul Miller. It is a great book because it is so simple yet so full of truth. One of the things I really like is getting to see how Paul uses prayer in his life constantly. He is practicing God's presence - and it is so beautifully simple. He doesn't seem to over think things like I tend to do - though maybe he hasn't let us in on that part of himself - I don't know for sure. But what we do get to see is a man leading his family and walking through his life by small continual acts of prayer. He seems to bring even the minutia of life into God's presence, things I wouldn't want to bother God with - he prays about. And crazy, I know, it doesn't seem to bother God one bit.

In his book he talks a lot about seeing ourselves as dependent children - letting all our weaknesses drive us to Jesus, and laying aside cynicism so that we can see the wonder of God all around us.

Already God is using these new thoughts to free me up in prayer. Last night our power was out, and since I sleep with a fan for white noise...sleep was a bit elusive. So I was up late reading and then as I was falling asleep, I began to pray for all the things I really wanted. The things we feel like we shouldn't pray, and the things I feel like I am supposed to fix on my own, the things that hurt to admit I want help with. Oh - how freeing it was! And I felt so close to the Lord! I can't wait to write them all down and see what God will do with it all - see how He weaves His answers together - see how He changes me and the things and people around me - all because I asked - and because He wants to give me good things!

Crazy simple I know...man we know how to screw things up that are really meant to be that simple.

Matthew 7:7-11
Keep on asking, and you will be given what you ask for. Keep on looking and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And the door is opened to everyone who knocks. You parents - if your children ask for a loaf of bread, do you give them a stone instead? Or if they ask for a fish, do you give them a snake? Of course not! If you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him.