This morning I experienced something amazing. In all
honesty, it was the first time, in a long time, I felt so alive. It was a true RAW experience.
Last week, I was trying to think of a Bible study I wanted
to go through on my own. I have realized that my prayer life has been prevalent
but not magnificent. I find myself doing quick little shout outs to God, asking
for forgiveness or requests for family and friends, but not fully engaging
since I’m usually driving when these things come to mind. I have at times
paused in a store to really focus on the quick prayer, thinking I need to be
more serious about “this one” or because I’ve said I’d pray and really just didn’t
want to forget. I blame drugs for my forgetfulness, although that’s a self-proclaimed
diagnosis. I’m thinking this blog may hurt some people who have asked me to pray
but please, my prayers, although short, were meant and still heard by God, it
was me who didn’t understand the importance of how I pray. I do believe God
heard those prayers and that He willing accepts us talking to Him even while we
are driving or doing other things. My point in this blog is to express the
importance of not just giving God little shout outs, but really taking the time
to sit and pray to Him, giving Him all your focus.
After talking to my parents last week about my lack of “good”
prayers and knowledge of how to pray, my mom suggested I use the acronym ACTS while I pray as an outline. In my online
research, Billy Graham coined this idea and now I’d like to share it with you
in very simple terms, but I’m giving you the link in case you want to dig
deeper : (definitions are
partly taken from the webpage and some of my little tidbits)
A: adoration
means worship (BTW I think my mom said
admiration but either way, recognize God’s greatness in your life, beauty
around you and praise for the things He has done)
C: confession you
know you’ve done wrong so recognize it and tell God! Don’t forget that seeking
forgiveness goes along with confession but only if it comes from your heart. If
your heart isn’t in it God knows.
T: thanksgiving pretty
self-explanatory but it’s being thankful to Him for all He has done.
S: supplication make
your requests known to Him.
After the enlightenment of let me call it “good prayer”, I
eagerly awaited my chance to try it. Up until today, I’ve been making breakfast
and studying the bible (I’m working on a women’s devotional right now) and
practicing my ACTS prayer life, quietly in my head. But today, I tried
something new. Another suggestion from my mom was to read the Bible out loud
and pray out loud… so I did.
WOW! I have never felt more alive and connected to God as I
did this morning. I’ve been trying to apply what I’ve read in the Bible to my
life and to recognize Gods character in the scripture so I can descriptively adorn
Him during prayer. Praying out loud was like a confirmation to God of how I
felt about His creative hand, His love, His guidance, His grace and by the end
of praying through Adoration the
weirdness of praying out loud to myself was gone. I was free to confess and
seek His forgiveness. I thanked Him for where He has brought me today and for
people I’m meeting and opportunities He’s bringing into my life. And then, in
my supplication, I lost it.
As my freshly applied
make up streaked down my face, I prayed for four specific people in my life. I
did not start out praying with them in mind, but I truly believe that through 1
Peter 2 (my readings of the morning) and acknowledging His works in my life and
adoring Him with praise, the Spirit led me to pray for four specific people. My
heart broke for them in prayer and my mind was made clear of the feelings and
love I had for them. I asked God to use me in a new way and to guide me with
His desires. It was breath taking (literally that kind of crying) and it was
amazing.
Shortly after this magnificent prayer, my husband walked in
the door. “Have you been crying?” Bryce asked, concerned since me crying hasn’t
been an uncommon thing lately. “Yes” I said, “But only because I was praying.”
Bryce’s smile only confirmed the happiness I felt. Although, during my prayer I
was sad for my loved ones (even now I’m sad just thinking about it), I have
never felt so in touch with God before and that brought me a new kind of joy.
I know this post is long so I’ll end it with this
encouragement, learn how to pray. You may not need to say it out loud like I
did, but find a way for you to talk to God with no distractions, at least once
a day. Don’t forget you can always talk to Him, even if it’s quick shout outs,
but don’t forget to show Him respect and give Him the time He deserves. By
doing this, I think you too will experience something RAW and beautiful.
