Healing Rays of Righteousness

In many ways “being busy” is a blessing. But too much of a good thing often causes life to become pressured and stressful. We may need to slow our pace or increase our “down times” to live relaxed and enjoy living a busy life. But most importantly we need to discipline ourselves to keep in step with Jesus, not racing ahead or dragging behind. This ability is not automatic, we must intentionally practice being fully relaxed and trusting while sitting, walking, or running with Jesus.

I agree with Chuck Swindoll when he said that “A relaxed, easy-going Christian is far more attractive and effective than the rigid, uptight brother (or sister) who squeaks when he walks and whines when he talks.”

I believe the first step toward living a relaxed life with it many expectations and demands, is to regain and strengthen our confidence and trust in God’s presence and purpose. This comes through frequent conversation (prayers) with Him.

Yes, we are often tempted to think we are too busy to pray. But I say that it is in the “being too busy” times of life that we most need to pray. I have learned that no matter how busy I may be there is always time for the “arrow prayer” which is a few words of praise or petition shot like an arrow into the heart of any situation, need, or uncertainty when and wherever it occurs.

It seems to me that many Christians fail to appropriately value the rich resource that prayer is for us. We glibly “say a prayer” at mealtimes and begin our meetings and special event with prayer; and yet, in doing so, we are often more motivated by tradition than by a sincere, genuine desire for God’s presence, wisdom, and power in our midst.

Prayer is one of God’s majestic gifts to us, a gift of gracious privilege, and a gift of tremendous value toward enabling us through life’s busy, uncertain, and often difficult journey. To be privileged to come into the presence of God Almighty and speak with him about what is on our hearts and minds, is a gift of grace. And to be privileged to come into God’s presence as his children, and to have conversation with him as “Our Father” is a privilege of unimaginable worth.

Furthermore, praying opens the gates of heaven for God’s “will to be done on earth as it is in heaven.”  Prayer connects us to the wisdom, power, and energy of God. The prophet Isaiah wrote, “But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.” (Isa. 40:31).

Yes, it is the privilege of every child of God to have this super-natural power and energy of God’s Spirit in their every-day life and work. The biggest challenge for us is to keep our eyes open, our minds alert, and always focused on Jesus. And this can only be accomplished as we give time to diligent, informed, and focused prayers with thanksgiving.

We have many moments throughout every day that could be used as prayer moments for self and for others. Such “in the moment” praying will teach us how to be both busy and relaxed; how to be in flesh the God of peace among a people stressed to pieces.

William Temple is quoted as saying, “When I pray coincidences happen, and when I do not pray, they don’t.”  Mother Teresa said, “Prayer enlarges the heart until it is capable of containing God’s gift of Himself.”  And Leonard Ravenhill wrote, “The self-sufficient do not pray, the self-satisfied will not pray, and the self-righteous cannot pray.”

Let us always remember Jesus’ invitation in Matthew 11:28, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” God’s love for us and his desire to be in relationship with us is so awesome that it is utterly amazing that it is being offered us. Why then are we so reluctant to come to Him in any busy or stress-filled moment and enjoy the rest and peace He offers us?

John Greenleaf Whittier wrote a beautiful prayer-hymn that I find helpful as my own prayer.

     Dear Lord and Father of mankind, Forgive our foolish ways! Reclothe us in our rightful minds;    

              In purer lives Thy service find;  In deeper reverence, praise.

     Drop Thy still dews of quietness  Till all our strivings cease. Take from our souls the strain and stress  And let our ordered lives confess   The beauty of Thy peace.

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Ray M. Geigley – “Healing Rays of Righteousness” – www.geigler13.wordpress.com – 6/5/24