Prayers

Lately my focus is on the circumstances of my life--the kids' activities, my preparations for Isabel's play and the VBS drama, writing posts, getting the damn dinner on the table--that I don't give much thought to "fearing God." The things on my to-do list are real and pressing; God, meanwhile, is silent and invisible. The same old problem. This is from (you guessed it) Isaiah...

Whom have you so dreaded and feared that you have been false to me, and have neither remembered me nor pondered this in your hearts? Is it not because I have long been silent that you do not fear me? I will expose your righteousness and your works, and they will not benefit you. When you cry out for help, let your collection of idols save you! The wind will carry all of them off. But the man who makes me his refuge will inherit the land and possess my holy mountain."   Isaiah 57:10-13

When I read Scripture in the morning, God is not silent. He speaks. Well, He communicates. "I am here. I will break into history again. Don't run off into "the far country," as Tim called it in his sermon yesterday. Keep praying. I am listening. When the day comes, you will be glad you stuck with Me."

Lord, my response to that is, as usual, contrition. And disappointment in myself. I'm sorry that I don't consult You in my decisions, or wonder what You would have me do in various situations. 


I want to ask You to be there when Isabel's teachers are placing her in a first grade classroom. Please guide them to put her in the place You think is best for her. If there is a "bad" teacher, steer them away from putting her in that class.  Tara said that people have problems with Mrs. Schnyder. If that's true, and Isabel would be discouraged in that classroom, please don't allow her to be placed there. 


I pray for Mom and Dad's visit this week. I want to be a joy to them, and a help. I pray for You to open my eyes to the needs around me. To contribute to the Because of Kennedy missions trip to Ethiopia and to Tim and Abigail's missions trip to Kenya. First aid kits, shoes.


I pray for my sweet and precious Lily, and that You will show me how to teach her how to manage her emotions. Show me to show her how to diffuse her impulse for meltdowns. Lead me to materials that will help me to impress your wisdom on my children. To talk about You when I sit at home and when I walk along the road, as the Deuteronomy passage says.


I pray for Lee as he navigates work and office politics this week. Strengthen him, and help him to know how much I love him, especially when my parents are in town.


In Your son's name I pray.
Amen