Paul
Six hours into our road trip from Los Angeles, our group of four finally reached our destination. We had enjoyed endless conversation and laughter; but as we entered the Giant Forest grove in the Sierra Nevadas, the conversation stopped. All that could be heard were quiet whispers of “wow” - “it feels like another planet”... “I can’t even see the tops of these trees.” We were among the giant Sequoias, the biggest and most majestic trees in the world. Next to these giants, we felt like children—with our mouths open wide in wonder.
SAY TO GOD: “HALLOWED BE YOUR NAME!”
I brought a group of people together for prayer. An act so common among Christians that it barely seems worth mentioning. Still, we had listened to each other, shared stories that were funny and sad and painful and longing. Then we prayed for God to show up, intervene, heal, guide, make a way, and commune with us. And God did. God was present and we knew it. And you cannot deny an encounter like that. Just knowing I had fulfilled my task in obedience was enough.
SAY TO GOD: “MAY YOUR WILL BE DONE!”
Jerry and Christa were on the margins of society and lost. Not cool, polished, or particularly intelligent; they were struggling to find stability and purpose. Without much of a plan, my wife and I simply read through the gospel of Matthew with them. Their lives were transformed by the Jesus they encountered. God’s love, generosity, and kindness flowed into and through Jerry and Christa. Donuts for their professor. Patience for their landlord. Kindness and understanding for each other. We could not begin to solve their needs or longings, but God could and did!
SAY TO GOD: “GIVE US TODAY OUR DAILY BREAD!”
I know a man whose father went to war before he was born. The war ravaged his spirit, and a deep anger took hold. When he became a father, his anger became abuse, and the son and his brother became objects of his rage. Years later, the father indebted the family business that employed the son. The son took over, repaid the debts, and provided for his father until he died. Abused and indebted, he forgave—because God had forgiven him—and encountered the Father who heals and restores.
SAY TO GOD: “DELIVER US FROM EVIL!”