A New Look at The Lord's Prayer

I took a picture of the Cross which was in one of the Prayer rooms on Monday night. I mentioned yesterday that people could go into it and pray and leave a note pinned to the cross with a burden or concern that they needed to 'let go'. Last night, they had brought the cross and placed it on the platform. At first I couldn't figure it out. All these little white 'thingamajigs' on it! Then it hit me! They were the "burdens in print"! It was pretty powerful to me. Maybe you 'had to be there' to appreciate it as it may not 'hit you' when you see the picture as much as when you are there in person.

A few burdens laid down ...

Anyway, last night was another great night. More like a Sunday service in some ways as the pastor was sharing on how he does prayer. We were looking at The Lord's Prayer. A printed sheet was handed out to everyone and it was basically an 'instruction' sheet on how to expand on the prayer. Each line was highlighted and information was shared on how he expanded the prayer to include family, personal situations, others' concerns and appreciation for who God is, what he does in our lives (both what we see and don't see) and our requests and thanks. Of course, it was a lot more involved than that but you can always go to the website to find out more!

Last night had about the same number of people - maybe a few less - but that doesn't seem to be odd as many don't show up during the middle of the week 'for church'. Their loss I think as it was definitely an instructive evening.  You can never hear too many times how you can improve your connection with God - how important it is to have communication with Him and ways and opportunities to feel His presence. 

The pastor left about 17 minutes for each of us to individually and privately go over the Lord's Prayer in our hearts and minds and to pray as he had shared concerning each line.  I can't believe how fast that time went. I had not finished going over the points in my head and sharing my heart in the way he had outlined, when he called us back together again.  I hope I can do as well in my own private times! I often get distracted 'in my head' and physically as well, with phone calls, the washer buzzing, the phone ringing or whatever else needs to be done in a day!

We have one more night of Prayer Works. I am looking forward to seeing what the evening will be like. I know I should be thinking more 'spiritual' about the evening but it's providing me with a very creative look at 'church' and connecting with an all powerful God. Anything that helps me move forward in my walk with Him I get excited about.  Church is more than just the building - it's the people I worship with, the day to day life I lead, and how I handle it. Connecting with 'the living God' is pretty important, wouldn't you say?

Anyway...2011 is here and the end of the first month of it is just around the corner. I will again try to live my life as well as I can and be the best that I can be. Hopefully, you will excuse any 'slights' I may give you unknowingly. I am still a work in progress.  According to point #4 in the pastor's sheet he handed out on the Lord's Prayer...Forgive us our sins, just as we have forgiven those who have sinned against us...I add the scripture verse Ephesians 4:32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God, for Christ's sake hath forgiven you (King James version)!