Prayer

Have you ever felt like you've just run out of words for God, like you just don't know what to say even though your heart longs to communicate with Him? There definitely are times when we need to be still before God and listen (one of my weaknesses, for sure). There are also times when Satan tries to deceive us about the futility of trying to pray. He knows that it's part of putting on the armor of God (Eph. 6:18). So what do you do when the words of praise just aren't there, when all that is left is pleadings about the circumstances?
We pray. God wants to hear what is on each of our hearts, and when all that is there are the pleadings, we ask for more. More awareness of what God is doing and has done, more understanding of Who He is, more focus on Him rather than me. This has been the struggle of the last week or so. I have found myself lacking expressions of praise and fighting to not just think about myself. What's interesting about this whole thing is that I could list plenty of things to be thankful for, but my heart was yearning to just be in His presence and worship Him. So, I asked for more. Want to hear how God provided?
The first provision was a book written by the author of the poem "Footprints". The verses, poems, and thoughts in it have walked me on paths through His Word. The second was a CD of hymns given to me by a friend. The hymns tend to focus on God, not just my feelings about God, so they have been helpful in redirecting me. The third was a book recommended by a friend. "Praying Through Suffering" contains heartfelt prayers and verses that seem to be serving as a springboard during prayer. I just think it's kind of cool how God used prayer to create a desire in my heart to focus on Him and then also provided the means for me to focus while praying. This is not a done deal; I still have a long way to go. But I'm thankful for the baby steps that He has opened my eyes to see.
OK, now for something a bit lighter - I have to tell you about the kids praying. As many of you know, I've been having trouble getting my Lovenox shots. Last week, Lyndsey was sitting on my pillow while I was lying on my stomach getting ready for the dreaded shot. She reached over and, putting her hand on my head, she prayed, "Jesus, thank you for this great day. Please help Mumma's shot not hurt. All-men". This so touched my heart; I wish you could have heard it. The next day, Lyndsey came into my room as I was getting the EMLA cream "placed" (1 hour before the shot) and prayed again. Then she went downstairs. Later, Anderson informed me that while I was getting my shot, he and Lyndsey were sitting on the couch praying that my shot wouldn't hurt (this time, Anderson's idea). Can you picture that, them sitting side by side on the couch? How precious. This definitely warms a mother's heart.