I recently read an interview with writer Anne Lamott, who’s just published a book on faith, titled “Help, Thanks, Wow,” referring to what she calls her “three essential prayers,” the only ones she needs. Quoting Ms. Lamott:
“Help” is the main prayer. “Help” is the prayer of surrender and having a real shot at things beginning to change … because you’ve finally run out of good ideas. People say “thanks” all the time in so many ways. The diagnosis was much better than it could have been, or it’s something manageable instead of huge and awful. “Wow”is the praise prayer.
What’s your thought? Is she on target with how you define andfeel about prayer and praying to our Father in Heaven? I would love to know what you think.
The way . . .
I’m not sure where I heard what, but the message that landed in my brain recently said, “go to 1 Thessalonians 5:14 and read the Apostle Paul’s rules for Christian living.” (I guess the Holy Spirit is saying I have some changing to do.) And, in case you don’t remember them, here they are:
Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all. See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all. Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies. Test all things; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil.
It’s not easy living up to these day after day is it … especially when you can’t exclude such a seemingly small item as exceeding the speed limit when driving?
If you’ve not been following these to the letter … it’s not too early to make a “New Year’s Resolution” is it? You can call it your “Advent Resolution.”
Church sign . . .
If your life has become a puzzle . . . this is where you’ll find the missing “peace!”
My favorite quote . . .
To me, this is sort of a hallelujah moment … stated so simple and straight-forward by U. S. Olympic gymnastics champion Gabby Douglas:
I give all the glory to God. It’s kind of a win-win situation. The glory goes up to Him, and the blessings fall down on me.
Finally, now that we’re already well into Advent, there’s not much I can say other than to quote a line from an old carol: “Christmas is a-comin’, may God bless you!”
Marlin
