Lord, Hear My Prayer

Matthew 7:7-12

Jesus said to the crowds, "Ask, and it will be given you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you. For everyone who asks receives, and everyone who searches finds, and for everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. Is there anyone among you who, if your child asks for bread, will give a stone? Or if the child asks for a fish, will give a snake? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask him!

I entered prayer through a door, and fell into the lap of God who calls the dead into life, and the nonexistent into being. (Romans 4:17) There is much on my mind ... it is kaleidoscopic. The intercessions and petitions blend with thanksgiving and praise. I notice an energy in this prayer space that is somewhat disturbing and I can't help but wonder, "Why?" It seems so much more "prayerful" when this space (of prayer) is still, and calm, and clear of static.

I remember then, that I seek God's will...and I ask for whatever is necessary to set my own will aside. I do knock...with my words: "Lord, hear my prayer" ...

At the moment those words rise from my heart Jesus is close to my side, reminding me that when I pray to the Father, part of the process is for me to surrender expectations (often erroneous) about what will be the "best" answer. I struggle, often, to lay aside all that my ego is striving to achieve...I want this (or that) to happen ...I want this (or that) NOT to happen.

Sometimes I become agitated after a time of prayer: More was given than my mind and heart can contain. Reminders of how, sometimes, I am complicit in actually clinging to falsehood and illusion rather than obediently releasing MY hold on "MY" desires. I am reminded of how fear or pride or egoic barriers block my openness to God's good gift that is just beyond the threshold of today's "door".





Can I stay here just a while longer...in the midst of all that God is given, can I find that assuring peace that calms the turmoil that seems to be gaining momentum?

Yes...

That's what this Lenten Experience is about...this powerful, formative time....

Walking with Christ, following the wise leading of his steps, there is a comforting presence even when the steps are moving "me" through places of the heart that are stormy. I can feel myself like a small child stepping up my pace saying "Wait for me..."

How about you... What do you notice when the door opens ... and the Father gives you the good thing that God knows you most need? How is life being called from some dead space? How is the impossible being called into possibility? What feelings emerge as a result of God's action?