Retreat into Solitude

How many times have I internalized the phrase, "get over yourself?" I never realized before preparing for this sermon series, but every waking moment is filled. I never wait for someone without having something to do. If I am stuck in a doctor's office or even at the hairdressers, I never simply sit and wait. I wouldn't consider looking into space and waiting my turn. No, at the very least I will whip out my phone and open my Kindle app and read my book.

Is this selfish behavior? At first glance it appears to be a good use of spare time. Reading is good. I always make sure when I leave for an appointment or even a lunch engagement, I am prepared to fill any extra time I have if the person I am meeting is running late. I usually have a journal with me to jot a note or record an idea for my next blog post or story idea.

Last fall I lead a women's retreat on the Spiritual Discipline of Solitude. Solitude is a word we don't often consider in these fast moving times. But when we practice this Spiritual Discipline, we are blessed as we draw closer to God and learn how to listen to His words of love and guidance.

If you are like me, it seems a waste to not be doing something - all the time. I have wondered over the past few months, just how healthy it is to be constantly on the move. I know I have an obsessive personality so I must be very deliberate to avoid fanatical behavior. Sometimes that just means I need to learn how to 'go with the flow'; not try to be in control of everything around me. In other words, relax and let go, and let God.

As Rick Warren wrote in his book, A Purpose Driven Life; "It's not all about you." Wise words.


James 5:13-16

Trusted Prayer Partners

The first time someone asked if they could pray for me, I was stunned. That had never happened to me before and I didn't know what to say or how to act. I was facing surgery, and that too was new for me. This woman took my hands in hers and began to call upon God for my healing. She prayed for the surgeon also and then she closed with praise to God for all that He was going to do for me.

"And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well." (James 5:15)

To say I was speechless would be understating the facts. If I were honest I would have to admit that her prayers unsettled me a little. They got me to thinking that maybe things were more serious than I thought. But, you know what? On the other side of this situation I can see that she wanted me to be safe and if I wasn't going to be healed, she wanted me to be safely in the Savior's Arms. That was a friend indeed.

Prayers build trust. Trust provides opportunity for prayers to be uttered. Sort of a two-way street. Since that first encounter with someone who prayed, my faith has grown and my trust in prayer and in those who pray is big. Early in my faith walk - before this encounter - I was given a book written by Evelyn Christenson titled, "What Happens When Women Pray." I read that book, cover to cover and was enthralled by the stories of prayer.

God had a plan for me which included this gift, this powerful gift of prayer. I have many stories to

share about prayer and the way God developed it in me. My desire for prayer is the very thing that brought my two prayer partners into my life 12 years ago.

This is a relationship which began with an invitation and evolved over time to be three women caring for one another in many life-changing situations. The trust that has been born from this relationship will last forever. We often share with one another the Hope we have because of Jesus and how our relationship bridges the years and covers the milestones in each of our lives.

James 5:13-16