Paying Attention

I have a great deal of difficulty paying attention to what God might be trying to tell me or to show me. I tend to forget who is supposed to be in charge of my life. I think that I am the one who makes all of the decisions and I do not leave any place where God can get my attention. I also become irritated when traffic and other things interfere with my time frame of getting things done.

The first time that I began to learn this lesson was on an Ash Wednesday. I serve two congregations. I had a morning chapel service for the children in the day care at one church and a late morning Ash Wednesday service at the other church. I had 15 minutes to make the 5 minute drive between churches.

Just before I left the first church, I received a call that Robert, a member, was dieing. I called the second church to let them know that I would be a little late and drove as quickly as I could to the hospital.

I was in an extreme hurry. But, I seemed to hit every light just as it was turning red. Each light seemed to take forever to turn green. I was getting very upset and became angry with the lights. By the fourth light, it suddenly occured to me that I was not being a very good pastor. What was I going to be like for Robert's family when I finally arrived at the hospital? They did not need an angry pastor who was upset about traffic lights.

I still kept getting stopped by every red light but I decided to use my time in a better way. I began to use each red light as a time to pray for Robert and his family. I did not hit a single green light on my way to the hospital. I was given ample time to pray.

As I walked through the parking lot it occured to me that God was trying to teach me something about the passage of time and how there is always time for prayer. When I finally entered Robert's hospital room, his daughter-in-law exclaimed, "Pastor Michael! How did you get here so fast?" (I realized that God wanted to make certain that I got the message.)

I now look at red traffic lights and congested roads as a way that God may use to give me opportunities for prayer. I think about people I will interact with and pray for them. I also use this time to remind myself that I do not work alone, God is with me.

I have no doubt that my blood pressure is quite a bit lower now whenever I am stuck in traffic and I spend time in prayer. It is not an interruption or delay---it is an opportunity for me to spend time in prayer.

What is God trying to tell you?

I welcome comments WordsandSighs@gmail.com

Talk to God today.
Pastor Michael

Important Things

What are the important things that you pray about or pray for? Most of us probably have a rather short list of topics that we regularly pray about.

I want to suggest that our list is too short. There are many important events and issues in our life that would be enhanced by prayer.

First, it is important to remember that God is an active part of our lives and can help us in any situation. When we pray about something, we are remembering that we do not face life all alone. God is present to help us. We can receive the strength and will to face challenges with God's help.

Second, when we take time to pray about something, we are reminding ourselves what we consider to be important in our own life. Prayer is always a conversation with God. When we pray, however, we are also talking to ourselves about what is important. This kind of reminder can also help us keep our focus.

In our new Youth Group at my two churches we have decided to make prayer a part of every activity. When we put together health kits for Lutheran World Relief, we prayed for the people who would receive them and we gave thanks that we were so blessed that we could share with others. When we have a social, fun activity, we pray and thank God for our friends and the joy of fellowship. Before a nature hike, we thank God for creation and ask God to help us be better caretakers of the earth.

In each of these ways we reminds ourselves and teach our young people how God is a part of all aspects of our lives. We remember to not just be aware of God's presence when we are in church, but in every aspect of our lives.

Adults who model this kind of behavior and spiritual practice with children are teaching them how to handle the daily challenges of life. Adults who model this kind of prayer life are also reminding themselves that they do not face parenting on their own but have God to help them.

What are the daily events in your life that you could be praying for?

I welcome comments at wordsandsighs@gmail.com

Talk to God today.
Pastor Michael