Retreat for One - Singles Ministry

There are many ways to be the church. Here is one of my favorites:

One Friday, seventy-eight single adults from across Virginia began to arrive through the sliding, glass doors of a former college, now used as a spiritual retreat center. For three days, they will sing, play, study, pray, eat, laugh, share sorrows and experience joys.

       Susan’s hand gripped the suitcase tightly, as she walked toward the building. Her divorce was final more than three years ago, but tears would still appear at the mere mention of her former husband’s name. "What am I doing here?" she thought. "People will think I just want to meet men! Who am I kidding? Maybe I am here just to find a relationship."

       Virginia confidently entered with three friends from church. Last year, she came to the retreat a lonely, depressed widow. Now, she’s full of joy, looking to share her healing experiences.

       Bill, a single parent, quietly sat in his car watching others go through the doors. "This is crazy!" He thought to himself. "Why did I let my preacher talk me into attending a singles retreat?"

       Denise, a vivacious twenty-something career woman arrived excited about a weekend off and a chance to relax. Yet, she was also nervous. "Mom swears it will be wonderful, but the only singles groups I attended were full of bitter middle-aged divorcees looking to get even with their ex. I hope there are some fun people here my age," she thought.

       Ron won the prize for most unique entrance by arriving in a long fake-mink coat, oversized sunglasses and a red wig. Last year, he came to receive comfort from a long and difficult divorce. This year, he comes to renew friendships, have some fun and help influence others.

As each of the seventy-eight guests registered, someone was there to warmly greet them and give a welcome bag of goodies and information. A Polaroid snapshot was taken and taped to a large envelope. Seventy-eight envelopes were then attached to the wall of the meeting room. Later, messages of love and encouragement will be inserted so everyone could leave with a letter in their suitcase and warmth in their hearts.

       Susan met Jan a single mother in the divorce recovery workshop. "I cannot believe someone has the same problems, I have," Susan said to the group. During the Sunday worship service they heard about the need to forgive others as God forgives them. Encouraged to receive communion with a friend, Jan and Susan came together to share God’s grace and their newfound friendship.

       Virginia and her three friends enjoyed working with a group making hats out of old newspapers. "I felt like a child playing in the sandbox," she said. Later they attended a workshop on prayer and formed a small group devoted to spending time praying for others.

       Bill learned the importance of developing active listening skills and practiced avoiding the "verbal villains" of poor communication. After the session, Bill could have retired to his room, but instead chose to join a group in the gym and play volleyball.

       Denise joined the Line Dancing group and met several young singles who lived in her area. At the workshop on stress management she learned valuable coping skills.

       Ron the clown became a counselor and wrote a poem describing how singles commit their lives to God. "God is our shelter. He is our friend. No matter how high the mountain or how deep the sea, it is God’s strength and grace that guides our path through the storms of life."

Seventy-eight people left the retreat on Sunday afternoon with their envelopes full of love notes and their hearts full of joy. Seventy-eight people experienced God’s church and their lives were forever changed. Jesus said, "You are the light of the world." (Mat. 5:14) For seventy-eight people on one special weekend retreat – the light of God shined bright.

Will it take Six Strong Men to Bring you Back?

I noticed a newspaper ad showing a black and white photograph of six men carrying a coffin through the front doors of a church. The caption read: “Will it take six strong men to bring you back into the church?” My first reaction was shock but the ad made me pause and think. What about you?

 Why won’t more people attend church regularly? I hear a lot of excuses:

“I’m too busy.”

“The sermons are dull and the music is old fashioned. Why should I come just to be bored?”

“Church people are such hypocrites. They don’t practice what they preach!”

“I’d rather watch TV and stay home.”

“They only want money or my willingness to serve on a committee.”

"I’m young or I’m divorced or I’m poor. They don’t want me.”
After hearing one of these excuses, I often ask: “Do you believe in God?”

“Oh, yes," they reply. "I’m just not ready to go back to church.”

For years, my excuse for not attending church was, “I work six days a week in a suit and tie. I just want to sleep-in, relax and read the paper. Why should I dress up again on my only day off?” Truthfully, I just did not feel any great need to be in church. Obviously, my situation changed but why?

"Will it take six strong men to bring you back into the church?"  

Zig Ziglar a well-known motivational speaker and author, literally sold me on the benefits of becoming a Christian and attending church now instead of putting it off until later. Zig described the local church as the body of Christ showing me a piece of Heaven today, not just when we die. What is that piece of heaven? What are those benefits of attending church? I thought you would never ask:

Longer life: Insurance studies show regular church attendance adds 5.7 years to your life.

Wealth: The Bible is full of methods for effectively managing your money.

Peace: There is a special peace of mind knowing God will always be there, no matter what.

Purpose: It’s exciting to know God has a special purpose for your life and mine.

Courage: God will give you courage and strength to make ethical and moral stands.

Love: Learning to love others the way God loves you is a source of happiness and comfort.

Forgiveness: Learning to forgive yourself and others can literally heal your body and your soul.

This is just the short list, but what a picnic basket full of luscious promises! You live longer and manage your financial resources more efficiently. You enjoy peace of mind. You receive supernatural courage to take a stand. You experience the breathtaking love of God and obtain the healing medicine of forgiveness.

"Will it take six strong men to bring back into the church?"

Why do we need to go to church? “Because the church is still the best way to strengthen your relationship with God and with others, find your life’s purpose and receive those special benefits.”

My attitude changed. I found church to be the place where I would be strengthened for my walk with God during the other six days of the week. I couldn’t wait for Sunday.  

Yes, at times, I was busy, the music was awful, the preacher was boring and people are still hypocrites.

But -- I also discovered an indescribable love and peace. I found a source for encouragement and a place of acceptance. The church isn’t perfect, but what human institution is?

The Bible says it best: Without wavering, let us hold tightly to the hope we say we have, for God can be trusted to keep his promise. Think of ways to encourage one another to outbursts of love and good deeds. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage and warn each other, especially now that the day of his coming back again is drawing near. (Hebrews 10:23-25)

Let’s face it. You do need the church and the church definitely needs you.

If you’ve not been to church in awhile -- come back. We’ve missed you. If you are already active with a church, share this story with a friend and invite him/her to join you. It sure beats the alternative offered by this ad. Ecch!!

"Will it take six strong men to bring you back into the church?"

Christmas will not be the same without you. Invite your family and friends and come join us in the best celebration of the year.

Christ has died; Christ is risen; Christ will come again.

Christmas, Suitcases & Stress

Here is a unique way to have fun! Line up ten suitcases and attempt to carry them all at once. “Let’s see, I can jam this one under my arm. This one can go on top of my head, while this one goes between my legs!” 

Oh and just to keep things exciting, invite an audience to watch as you struggle. I attempted this interesting but stupid feat at a church service and actually succeeded in picking up nine of the suitcases (or was it eight) but as I swung the last suitcase over my shoulder -- the rest of my body followed and I was soon lying amidst a heap of luggage on the floor. (Stop laughing, please!)

Now what? Obviously, I cannot carry but so many suitcases without falling.

So, sheepishly, I asked someone in the audience for help. Immediately someone picked up four or five of the suitcases while I retrieved the others and in just a few moments we had easily accomplished together what I absolutely could not do alone.

Once I asked for and accepted help, an impossible task became manageable.

The stress and burdens of daily life often become a long line of real-life suitcases. We can carry two or three, maybe even six or seven but as stress and burdens increase, our capacity to carry the load diminishes. Eventually, we must ask for help.

Christmas often brings additional stress and burdens to an already full load. For example:

·         A grieving family prepares for their first Christmas without a loved-one.

·         Students trying to finish the end-of-semester rush of papers and exams.

·         Workers dealing with the added stress of holiday business.

·         Single parents facing too many bills, too many needs, too little income and too little time.

·         Christmas parties, gift buying, baking and the frantic pace of preparing for the big day.

·         Families just managing to get by are now faced with the additional burden of purchasing gifts.

·         Abused or neglected children pretending to enjoy a holiday that only promises more of the same.

The stress and burdens continue to lie heavily upon our sagging shoulders year after year eventually causing us to stumble, fall and lie helplessly among the pile. No matter how strong you may be, the load cannot be carried alone. It is impossible! Recently, I discovered sound Scriptural guidance:

“So I tell you, don't worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food, drink, and clothes. Doesn't life consist of more than food and clothing? Look at the birds. They don't need to plant or harvest or put food in barns because your heavenly father feeds them. And you are far more valuable to him than they are. Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? Of course not. You have so little faith. Why be like the pagans who are so deeply concerned about these things? Your heavenly Father already knows all your needs, and he will give you all you need from day to day if you live for him and make the Kingdom of God your primary concern. So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.” Parts of Matthew 6:25-34

This is more than a simplistic “do not worry” speech. Instead we are reminded:

·         Replace worry with faith. Go back to the basics of working on your relationship with God. Resolve this Christmas to spend more time in prayer. Share your burdens with a trusted friend.

·         Faith will eventually lead to trust in a God who will lovingly guide you during difficult times. Take a quiet moment to sit and read one of the Gospels. Listen to your favorite Christmas music.

·         Be content with looking for God’s help today. Tomorrow will bring its own worries. Attend worship at your local church. Become involved in a Sunday school class or Bible study.

Your faith in God can provide the needed help turning impossible tasks into manageable ones, even during Christmas. No matter what stress or burdens you may be facing, there is help available, if you are willing to ask. God’s promise is to be there, ready to help. Christmas was never meant to be an additional burden. Replace your worries with faith and let God help you carry the load.

Now, if only someone will help me get these suitcases back to my house!

Questions to Challenge:

1. How many suitcases or burdens are your trying to carry all by yourself? 
2. How does preparing for Christmas add to the load? Who can you ask for help?

3.    How can you replace Christmas worries with Christmas faith?

A Victim of Pornography

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The Little Church that Could

Do you remember the famous children’s book: “The Little Engine that Could?”

A train full of toy animals, dolls and everything boys or girls desired could not get over the mountain to the village on the other side. Children were waiting expectantly for their gifts. What would they do? What could they do?

·         A shiny new engine replied, “I, pull the likes of you? I am a passenger engine. Indeed not!”

·         A big engine said, “I am a freight engine. I am a very important engine indeed. I won’t pull the likes of you!”

·         A rusty old engine replied: “I am so tired. I must rest. I can not. I can not. I can not.”

A very little engine was asked next by the dolls and toys and saw the tears in their eyes before replying, “I’m not very big, but I think I can. I think I can. I think I can.” 

“Puff, puff, chug, chug, went the Little Blue Engine. ‘I think I can -- I think I can -- I think I can -- I think I can -- I think I can -- I think I can -- I think I can.’”

I love the ending: “‘Hurray, hurray,’ cried the funny little clown and all the dolls and toys. ‘The good little boys and girls in the city will be happy because you helped us, kind, little blue engine.’ And the little blue engine smiled and seemed to say as she puffed steadily down the mountain. ‘I thought I could. I thought I could. I thought I could. I thought I could.’”

There are plenty of Churches who behave much as the engines in the story.

• There is the shiny new church that says to people in need: “I’m too busy paying for my new building!”
• There are large mega churches who reply: “I’m too important with my own ministries.”
• Then, there are far too many rusty old established churches struggling to survive who say: “I’m too tired and discouraged to help you!”

Meanwhile, communities full of people wait expectantly for help and to hear the message of hope only the church of God can offer. What would they do? What could they do?

There was one very little church, however, which had once been vibrant and full of life, but was now struggling. On a typical Sunday morning there would only be ten or twelve people.

But they prayed about the needs of their community. Two from their very little church joined a year-long intensive Bible study. During one class both people felt the need to open their very little church to an after-school ministry for local school children:

“With God’s help,” they said, “I think I can -- I think I can -- I think I can?”

Within a few weeks, thirty children were being dropped off at the same, very little church where they would be greeted with cookies and begin an hour and a half of fun, music, games and a Bible study. Over the next few months and years, some of those children along with their parents began attending this same little church.

“With God’s help, I think I can -- I think I can -- I think I can.”

A man in the same community had a heart attack and nearly died. While in the hospital, he made a vow to serve God more faithfully and come to this same very little church. A family, discouraged and looking for a fresh start comes to the very little church.

“With God’s help, I think I can -- I think I can -- I think I can!”

A new year-long Bible study is started, but this time the very little church now has its own class full of people who are looking for answers and seeking ways to serve God.

One woman in the class persuades her whole family into joining the Bible study, while another woman begins teaching youth in the Sunday school. A couple asks to be married in the same little church. The very little church even forms a choir. 

“With God’s help, I think I can -- I think I can -- I think I can!!”

I love the ending: “Hurray, hurray,” cries this preacher and people everywhere as this very little church, now much bigger is smiling as she puffs steadily on in service of God.

And God replies: “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

The little church smiles and seems to say as she puffs steadily on: “With God’s help, we thought we could -- we thought we could -- we thought we could!!”

With God’s help, you can too!

Under the Light of the Cross: A Divine Warning

Angry? Why angry?

I was in the mountains attending a retreat along with other church leaders. The speaker was comparing two common church attitudes. One focused first on prayer, Bible study and community service. This was desirable. Another emphasized cafeteria-style, pick and choose programming. “This attitude,” said the speaker “was undesirable.”

That’s when I got angry!

I stood and suggested that today’s church really needed both attitudes. “Yes,” the speaker answered, “that may be true but on which attitude do you place your priorities?” His point was to urge churches to seek an ongoing relationship with God first before blindly creating programs just because people ask for them. He was right and I knew it, so why was I so upset?

After the meeting, I took a walk to clear my head. It was cold but I was too preoccupied to notice.

After a few minutes, I looked up toward the top of the mountain and saw a bright light in the shape of a cross. It took a few minutes of climbing and walking to get there but finally I stood below a beautiful cross that could be seen for miles.

Despite the temperature, I somehow felt warm and secure beneath this shining beacon of light. It was as if Jesus himself was offering comfort and reassurance.

After a few minutes of standing quietly, I began to understand my anger. It wasn’t about church attitudes or programs. It wasn’t even the speaker. The problem was with me.

Underneath the glow of the cross, the words of the speaker became a divine warning. I was the one focusing on creative programming ideas while neglecting my own relationship with God. My priorities were focused on people rather than God: programs rather than relationships. It was so simple, yet I almost missed it.

In the Bible, a young man named Timothy was also struggling and faced many pressures and challenges but an experienced pastor named Paul wrote several letters filled with Godly wisdom.   

U  Cling tightly to your faith in Christ and always keep your conscience clear. (1 Timothy 1:19)

U  I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. As you make your requests, plead for God’s mercy upon them and give thanks. (2:1)

U  Do not waste time arguing over godless ideas and old wives tales. Spend your time and energy in training yourself for spiritual fitness. (4:7)

U  Until I get there, focus on reading the Scriptures to the church, encouraging the believers and teaching them. (4:13)

U  Keep a close watch on yourself and on your teaching. Stay true to what is right and God will save you and those who hear you. (4:16)

The lessons from Paul to Timothy are abundant and clear:

1. Cling tightly to your faith -- Always put God first in everything we do.
2. Pray for all people -- Prayer should be the foundation of our life and ministry.
3. Train yourself for spiritual fitness -- Spiritual discipline is an all-important part of faith.
4. Reading the Scriptures -- Still the best way I know to discover God’s love and grace.
5. Encouraging and teaching others -- Emphasis is on relationships not activities or programs.
6. Stay true to what is right and God will save you -- Putting our ultimate trust in God.

What about you? Maintaining a Christian lifestyle is about so much more than attending church, singing in the choir or serving on a committee. A Christian lifestyle is more about who you are, how you act and Whom you serve.

Question: What priorities are you neglecting in your relationship with God? What needs to change in your life? When can you start? How can the church encourage you?

On a cold dark night beneath a brightly lit cross, I received a divine warning and a priceless lesson. At the same time, I felt the love and comfort only a loving Christ can give.

I walked back to the hotel with a bounce in my step and a new fire in my heart. But you, Timothy, belong to God; so run from all these evil things and follow what is right and good. Pursue a godly life along with faith, love, perseverance and gentleness. May God’s grace be with you all. (1 Timothy 6:11 & 21)

Amen! Thank you, God!

That Didn't Hurt

Playing around sewing machines was a dumb thing to do, even for a four-year-old. Too much running and not enough looking eventually causes accidents and mine was a big one. The shelf for holding the fabric was just above eye level and I hit it hard, felt the pain and started screaming. Blood was spurting everywhere. Normally sane adults were panic-stricken as I found myself being thrown into a car and rushed to the local hospital emergency room.

"He'll need four stitches just over his left eye," said the doctor. The three adults who brought me all nodded in agreement. Of course, I didn't know any of this. Instead, I saw a big man walking toward me to cover my head with a sheet. (They did that in those days!) Blind and scared, I did what only comes natural for a four-year-old in a fix. I kicked and screamed my bloody head off.  

They told me later that one man held my head, another lay across my body while several more held a leg or an arm, all as the poor doctor applied the local anesthetic and three stitches. What made this experience so memorable however was what happened next: just after the surgeon finished, I sat up and looked around the room and with a smile proclaimed: "That didn't hurt!"

The adults involved laugh about the story now, but at the time, they wanted to give me a demonstration of real pain by tanning my backside! The question is: Why was I so frightened? Was I just a wimp? (Please don't answer. My ego is fragile enough already!)

I was frightened partly because of the real pain caused by the head injury but in addition there was the fear of something unknown represented by the sheet covering my eyes. The combination made for one scared little boy. The reality, however, wasn’t nearly as bad as I feared. So, after the sheet was removed and the ordeal was over; I could smile (while everyone else groaned) and confidently say: “That didn't hurt!”

 

Let’s face it, we all face situations which cause pain but the real danger comes when we combine the actual pain with the imagined fear of the unknown. This becomes a formula for disaster.

·         The boss wanders into your office unexpectedly and asks to meet with you in the morning.

·         Your doctor calls and wants to discuss your latest test results personally.

·         A good friend has become more distant lately with no explanations.

How would you respond? Would you spend a sleepless night worrying? Would you stomp into boss’s office with bags under your eyes and a fiery disposition demanding an explanation? Maybe there would be a few late night phone calls to friends while you cry over imagined tragedies? Would you visit a local tavern or liquor store and quietly drink your troubles away?

We get scared of the unknown and respond by kicking and screaming instead of trusting in God to see us through. Here are some realistic spiritual remedies to help calm your fears:

·         Psalm 34:4 -- I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me, freeing me from all my fears.

·         Matthew 6:25-27 -- "So I tell you, don't worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food, drink, and clothes. Doesn't life consist of more than food and clothing? Look at the birds. They don't need to plant or harvest or put food in barns because your heavenly Father feeds them. And you are far more valuable to him than they are. Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? Of course not."

·         1 John 4:18 -- Such love has no fear because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of judgment, and this shows that his love has not been perfected in us.

1. Pray to the Lord. 2. Don’t worry about everyday life. 3. Perfect love expels all fear.

A friend advised: “Larry, if you can learn to replace your all night worry sessions with just a few hours of heartfelt prayer, you’ll begin to feel better and likely get more sleep.” Can we ease our fears with prayer and a promise from God? Of course you can. Try it for yourself!

In the end, God offers the unique opportunity to face our troubles with boldness and say to the world: "That didn't hurt!"

Teach Me How to Pray - Part 2

A friend of a two-year old girl struggling with cancer requests prayer over the Internet.

Thirty-eight men attend a “Walk to Emmaus” weekend while hundreds more pray.

At 6:00 every morning a bell rings calling members of one family to devotions and prayer.

Prayer was described as a unique opportunity to be in relationship with God: One that can make an authentic difference in your life and the life of anyone who comes in contact with you. But this is only the first step towards an exhilarating prayer ministry. Like a stone hitting still water, prayer ministry begins with one ripple then spreads outward in ever-wider circles.

“At 6:00 AM, Mom rings the bell to summon us to the prayer room. At 6:15 we better be there,” laughs one of the children. “We’ve been gathering every morning for over ten years. I used to hate it getting up so early but now morning prayer time is a regular habit. Our family held together through good times and bad and what I cherish the most is our morning prayers.” 

The first circle begins with family: Prayer can start with grace at mealtime. We learn to pray with our spouse or a close friend. Parents should pray regularly with their children. “Listen to my voice in the morning, Lord. Each morning I bring my requests to you and wait expectantly.” (Psalm 5:3) Prayer can be the glue which holds a family together amongst a world falling apart.

“Every Sunday morning at 7:30 our group meets at church to offer encouragement and prayers. It’s the only time all of us can make it. We’ve helped each other through marriage problems, deaths and serious illness. Each week, we challenge ourselves to be a better Christian witness than the week before. It hasn’t always been easy but this group made me a better person.” 

The second circle involves a small group: Two key features of this ministry are accountability and encouragement. Accountability represents the desire to improve while warm, loving encouragement keeps you going when accountability is impossible. “Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart.” (Col. 4:2) Prayer sustains and challenges us.

“During worship I asked for prayer on behalf of a man in another state facing surgery. A candle was lit reminding us to pray and a card of encouragement was mailed the next day. He called me later in tears. That prayer card was the first thing he saw when he woke up in the recovery room.”

 

The third prayer circle is your local church: Prayer should be a regular part of worship, but there could also be regular prayer gatherings and occasional healing services. Many churches post lists where someone can pray at any hour of every day. There are prayer chains so more urgent prayers are passed on quickly. “They devoted themselves to prayer.” (Acts 2:42)    

 

Thirty-eight men recently attended a “Walk to Emmaus” weekend while others worked behind the scenes and hundreds more prayed: Some prayed at a certain hour for the success of the weekend, while others prayed for an individual. When the ‘walk’ was over, thirty-eight men spoke of life-changing experiences. Why? There were many reasons but underneath it all was prayer.”

The fourth prayer circle is a wider community: After September 11, communities gathered to pray for the victims and for solutions to society’s plaque of violence. “I urge you first of all, to pray for all people.” (1 Tim. 2:1) A wider community of prayer can be expanded to include your neighborhood and even the entire world. 

A two-year old girl named Becky is struggling with cancer and a family friend goes home to her computer and begins searching the Internet for prayer groups. To each group, she sends an urgent email message asking them to pray for Becky. Within hours, thousands of people around the world are praying and sending emails offering love and encouragement.

Prayer begins as an opportunity for relationship with God. Prayer is also a ministry that begins with you and spreads outward in ever-wider circles.

The possibilities are endless and the potential is awe-inspiring.

Teach Me How to Pray - Part 1

“Does God answer prayers?” I asked a class.

“Of course… yes… always,” were the quick and enthusiastic replies.

“Then, why don’t we pray more frequently?” I answered. An uncomfortable silence filled the room.

Finally, the excuses poured out: “I’m too busy! There is no time! God’s too busy to listen to me! I don’t know what to say! I’m not worthy! I don’t know how!”

Our individual reasons may sound different but our predicament is basically the same. We (confession time: including me) do not fully appreciate the importance and power of prayer. Prayer should be as critical and functional as the steering wheel on your car. “Without you, O Lord, I can go nowhere!” Yet, for most of us, prayer is actually more like the spare tire… seldom used except when something goes flat. In other words: “Don’t call us… we’ll call when we need You!”

Prayer is supposed to be an ongoing relationship with almighty God more than an opportunity to present a wish list to a heavenly Santa Claus. But any good relationship needs commitment and a willingness to invest time… lots of time. Suppose you told a trusted spouse or friend the reason you can’t spend more time with them is: “I’m too busy! No time! You’re probably too busy to listen to me! I don’t know what to say! I’m not worthy! I don’t know how?” What kind of friendship is that?

Here is God’s promise on the subject of prayer: “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done. If you do this you will experience God’s peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and mind as you live in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7)

Our tendency is to worry isn’t it? Yet we know worry solves nothing and often causes emotional, physical and spiritual harm. Prayer means giving your worries to God, who in return promises a supernatural peace: a peace far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. Could it really be as simple as that? Yes it can but you must make a commitment to pray regularly.

Here is a basic formula to guide your prayer life:

1.    Praise God: Praise sets the tone and reminds you who God really is. Try looking at some of the Psalms and reading them out loud to get you started: Psalm 8, 19 & 148.

2.    Confession: A good relationship strengthens with honesty. No sane doctor would offer a cure without hearing what hurts. Admitting your faults promotes spiritual healing.

3.    Listen: Sometimes, it’s easier to talk than to really listen. Easy but not smart. Quiet times are often where you will find direction. Listening allows God to speak to your soul.

4.    Ask for Help: This part becomes more meaningful when you take the time to praise, confess and listen. This is when you literally learn to stop worrying and start praying.

5.    Give Thanks. Sometimes this step will not be easy but giving thanks recognizes that God is looking out for you and has your best interest at heart. You are saying, “I trust you.”

6.    Keep a Journal: This may be the most important part of your prayer life. The journal is where disappointments, struggles, joys and miracles are recorded and remembered.

“Does God answer our prayers?” Yes, but are we doing our part?

Two people with similar difficulties begin to pray. One expects results and finishes his prayer frustrated and confused. Months later, the problem and the prayer is forgotten. Another prays looking to spend a few quiet moments with a trusted friend and completes her prayer feeling more content and at peace. Over the next few months while recording her thoughts in a journal, she notices progress with the problem itself and especially in her ability to cope. She thanks God.

Think about it. You have a unique opportunity to be in a relationship with God: One that can make an authentic difference in your life and the life of anyone who comes in contact with you. So, what are you waiting for? God? He’s been waiting patiently for you a long, long time.

Next: Expanding your prayer life to the next step: Forming a prayer ministry.