Prayers sometimes come to us in unexpected forms, especially when we don’t “feel” like praying and words aren’t happening as in Romans 8:26.
“In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness, for we do not know how we should pray, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with inexpressible groanings.”
The following is what I wrote the morning after I had received some disheartening news last month.
I’ve been gifted with another auto-immune disease. Sure wish I could return this gift or at least cram it into the back of the re-gifting cupboard! Nevertheless, now I have the privilege of experiencing polymyositis in addition to lupus. Like other auto-immune disorders, the body attacks itself. With polymyositis, the target is the muscles, resulting in excruciating pain, debilitating weakness, and progressive degeneration of the muscles. There is no cure as such, but there are treatments, so I’ll travel down yet another road of medications.
As usual this morning, I sat in my “meditating” chair hugging my mug of jasmine green tea. The fragrant steam revived my senses, but I didn’t feel much healing taking place. Sipping contemplatively, I stared out the picture window onto a leafless winter scene. Those soothing meditational “goosies” that usually invigorate me each morning weren’t dawning. Therefore, I mindlessly opened facebook and there I saw gorgeous serene photographs displayed by a friend of mine who loves to hike and take pictures.
There was one scene in particular that pricked my dulled mind and brought tears to my eyes. There before me was my prayer for the day, a reminder of God’s peace ahead of me no matter what each new day brings.
What silent prayer is lodged in you today?
Peace, peace, wonderful peace,
Coming down from the Father above.
Sweep over my spirit forever I pray
in fathomless billows of love!
I have learned so much from you, my friend. Thank you for sharing your journey so openly and beautifully.
I’m so sorry for this new journey you must take and thank you for sharing so your friends can be praying for you.
Much appreciated Georgelyn!
Guardedly open is all I know how to be. It’s interesting to me how some in my life resent me being open and others are encouraged by it. Thanks for being a supporter!
Oh Sheila! I wish this was not your path, but I have faith that the steadfast presence of our tender Father God will sustain you. Thank you for sharing so we can pray.
We love you, Sheila. I’m glad you have loving people to walk with you through yet another challenge. Thank you for sharing.
So glad to know something. Now I can “pray with understanding”!
Love you!