P.R.A.Y.

This morning I am feeling backed up. No, not that kind of backed up. I am backed up with prayers requests. Just a lot on my mind.

Do you ever feel that way? Like you just need to get away with the Lord, a notepad in hand, and sort it all out. So today I will be brief. I need to go sit at His feet for a good, long while. I did, however, run across something I wanted to share.

This time last year, I read such a GREAT book. Tender Mercy, by Angela Thomas. It is as refreshing as the Spring. I am not kidding. I love her style and her heart for Jesus. Good combo. My journal is full of her one-liners. For example, she writes, "I need the Son of God to come and do the Bible in my life." Yes. Let's do it, God. Do that Bible in my life.

As you know, I am a sucker for a good metaphor. Well, I am also a sucker for a good acronym. Angela has a "prayer" chapter in her book and in that chapter she gives a great one. A great tool. Sometimes I need a bit of an outline in my prayer life. Otherwise, I sometimes start praying for my children and end up writing out a grocery list. Anyone with me on this? Sweet Jesus. I take Him on many bunny trails.

Here is what she says...

P.R.A.Y.

P - Praise. In the first part of your prayer give praise and adoration to God. (This morning I am reading through the psalms to do this. Psalm 104 actually. "O Lord you are very great; you are clothed with splendor and majesty..." v.1

R - Repent. Then repent of your sin and anything that stands between you and the Lord. Psalm 139:24 - See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

A - Ask. Ask anything for anybody. This is a time for intersession.

Y - Yourself. Ask for yourself.

-A. Thomas

One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he was finished, one of his disciples said to him, "Lord, teach us to pray"...He said to them, "When you pray say: " 'Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread. Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation.' " Luke 11:1-4

Even Jesus disciples needed a little guidance in the prayer arena.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. -Philippians 4:6

Off with my notepad.

Be blessed.