Bonita and I went to breakfast at a hot spot here in Buena Vista, Colorado this past week. (Now be sure you pronounce it correctly: bee-you-nah. Not like that place in Florida!) The Rooster’s Crow serves breakfast ALL DAY. How great is that? Great eggs, great omelet, and great service. It’s located right on Highway 285 that goes right through the town to the really big mountain ranges.
While we were eating our breakfast, we could not help but overhear a man talking about his back surgery. He had been in terrible pain, had back surgery, was waiting to have some steroid shots, and then he hoped to go back to work. Sound familiar? Of course, I immediately sympathized with what the man was saying.
We finished breakfast and I decided to walk over with my cane to talk to this “Wednesday morning breakfast group.” I introduced myself, told him of our similar situation, and then told him I would pray for him. Shock was on his face. I don’t know if the look of shock was because of my empathy, because he felt like he had talked too loudly, or because I said I would pray for him. He graciously accepted the gesture with tears in his eyes … one tear running down his right cheek … and I went on my way.
I do not say the words, “I will pray for you,” glibly or lightly. I prayed for him. We both did. I am the living, breathing result of prayers offered at the Throne of the Living God. The sacrifice of others, through prayer, humbles my heart and causes me to continue to lift others up for the blessings only God can give.
In the past, I have been a “rooster” strutting here and there boasting in myself and, on occasion, giving God a nod . . . praying when in trouble, praying when convenient. (Do you find that is common in your life?) But now, prayer has taken on a new meaning for me. I find myself breaking out in prayer whenever, wherever, and with whomever. I am only “scratching” the surface as I try to boast in what the Lord has done for me and through me. HE is able . . . I’m just trying to keep up!
Wake up! We are burning daylight.
So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful. Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another wit psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God. Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father. (Colossians 3:12-17 NASB)
So friends, I’d like to invite you to join me this week. I’m going to use my “prayer eyes” to seize the opportunities to pray more diligently. Pray with me.
Opening this week . . . DON’T MISS IT!