A Sign of a Stagnant Life

For years now I have felt the call from God to be an intercessor or prayer warrior. ((Beware: lots of posts on prayer in our future!)) I still don't know exactly what that means in my life in particular, but something I have learned through the process is one vital thing--

We are all called to pray.

Seems like a "duh" statement, but are you praying always?

Be constant in prayer. Romans 12:12

There likely isn't a true believer out there who doesn't know we are to pray continually (1 Thessalonians 5:17) but it still is an area where we are greatly lacking.

Recently I read an excerpt from one of Andrew Murray's books, The Ministry of Intercessory Prayer:

Often we have resolved to pray more and better, and have utterly failed. Our prayers, rather than being full of joy and strength, are often a source of self-condemnation and doubt… Your lack of prayer is likely due to a stagnant state of life. 

I'll tell ya what, that was not a comfortable bit to read. When prayer isn't a constant wellspring in my life, my life is stagnant? We have all been there - I try to walk into my War Room and it's like the door is locked. Not from the inside where communion with my Savior is savory sweet. No, it's locked from the outside, where I could unlock it but something in my life (pride?) is stopping me.

Is there something (or a lack of something) in your life that is locking your war room door? Or even just making it hard to open?

Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land. My eyes will be open and My ears attentive to every prayer made in this place. 2 Chronicles 7:14-15

We are all called to pray. What is in your way?

Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart. Colossians 4:2

My Happy Pills

I have a friend that God has clearly brought into my life on purpose. She has no idea how much she challenges me, encourages me, inspires me. I should probably tell her that, huh?

Yesterday she told me, while holding a fussy, clingy child, that her kids are her happy pills. It suddenly became clear to me how she can take all 4 kids to every field trip, travel to new places, invite people over regularly, and somehow keep her sanity.

It also became clear to me how far I've strayed from that perspective. While I absolutely adore my kids, I realized I've been seeing them as a burden lately. A part of my job.

Oh, I enjoy them immensely sometimes. 

I want to enjoy them all the time. Because they are a gift. They are a joy.

This doesn't mean I neglect my responsibilities. It doesn't mean I can't get frustrated or tired or need a break. It certainly doesn't mean they should be more of a joy to me than my husband or my Savior.

What it does mean is I have a fresh perspective: These babies are a way that God blesses me with temporary happiness AND deep, fulfilling joy.

I don't "have" to be a mommy, I "get" to be! How easy it is to forget that. I don't "have" to take out time for them, discipline them, enjoy them, love on them, show them grace, provide for them... I GET TO. And I am so grateful for this privilege.

Lord, thank You for the gifts of my children. Thank You for my friend and her reminder to view my babies as gifts. Thank You for equipping me for this incredible privilege of parenting!