# 90 - Lean into Jesus Prayer

Leaning into another. It’s what we do when having a picture taken, when frightened at a movie, when feeling close in love, and when weeping in heartache. Practice leaning into Jesus in times of grief and sorrow and find assurance there. Jesus faced grief in a spiritually and emotionally healthy way. He wept – over the spiritual death of Jerusalem. He cried – at the tomb of his friend Lazarus. He agonized – as he faced his own impending death. And still, in his grief, he focused on his Heavenly Father, on his Father’s love, and on his Father’s purpose. He leaned into his Father’s strength, wisdom and love. He grieved while keeping his focus. Learn from Jesus. Lean into him, into his understanding heart, his strong love, his life-giving embrace. Words are not necessary, sobs and sighs are welcome. Lean into Jesus, weary one, lean into Jesus.

# 89 - Taste & See Prayer

God loves the delightful things he has created; and when we enjoy them, he enjoys our enjoying them. The Bible says, “Taste and see that the Lord is good!" He created us to enjoy him and his creation. We certainly experience the Lord’s goodness at the communion table. No question about that. But meal times and snack times can also be sweet. You know, don’t you that in enjoying any satisfying morsel you can experience God’s goodness, for the Lord God made it all. At meal time, or whenever you enjoy a tasty delight, just thank the Lord. Turn the corners of your smile upward and say, “The Lord is good!” Or, just sing the Johnny Appleseed Prayer – “Ohhhh, The Lord is good to me. And so I thank the Lord. For giving me. The things I need. The sun, the rain and the apple seed. ...the Lord is good to me.”

One Month to Live

The One Month to Live Church-wide Challenge has begun. This 30 Days to a No Regrets Life is stirring the soul of the church.

More than 90 parishioners are asking every day, "What would I do if I knew I only had 30 days to live?" Most of them have joined one of the 19 challenge groups. The groups, with as few as 2 and as many as 9, are meeting to encourage deeper personal reflection on the 4 main topics.
- Live Passionately
- Love Completely
- Learn Humbly
- Leave Boldly

We are also focusing on each of these themes in Sunday worship, with powerful preaching, touching video clips, and inspirational music selections. The entire series runs through Feb 28th.

There is still some One Month to Live books available at the Humeston church, 2 on audio CDs. The books offer daily readings, 1 per day for 30 days.

Take the challenge. Come to worship. Get a book. Read with a Friend. Join a Challenge Group. Re-discover your Life.

Sudanese Became the Boilers for the Cottage Grove Avenue Church

The Presbyterians have a church, Cottage Grove Avenue Presbyterian Church, in Des Moines, that ministers to the immigrant Sudanese as well as to the needs of the inner city poor. In November their boiler conked out. Not having anything near the $80,000 needed to replace it they were fearful for the people whom they serve in Jesus’ name.

The Des Moines Sudanese community held a special overnight prayer and worship service on November 14, 2009, that lasted until 6 a.m. to help! It was a cold night in a cold church. Here is their report.

Two individuals stood very firm ‘til the daybreak on the November 15. A 5-year-old drummer was the hero of the night, along with a 75-year-old man who did not feel cold enough to go home. They heated up the night.

The large group of 200 people, prayed to God to keep the U.S. as they found it and forgive them if God is judging the U.S. because they came here. Why is it that everywhere they go God seems to punish them? Even with the economic hardships that many people are facing but affect them more than any one as they think.

The prayer would be like this
“Almighty God, forgive our
sins and those of our ancestors, if
that is why you are punishing the blessed
America. Please do not hurt these
innocent people because of our
sins. You are a God of forgiveness
and do not be so sad because we
have come here to worship you
without persecution. That was the
reason why we came and you
brought us and the American People
kindly accepted us. Do you want to
punish them because of us now
God? Please listen to our prayer.
Amen.”

During the overnight they also prayed for peace in the world, Afghanistan, Iraq and Sudan. They fear war will start again in Sudan during the upcoming election and also in the time of referendum scheduled in 2011. It was wonderful night. God bless you

– Rev. Goanar Chol is the Sudanese Ministries Resource Person. pbysudanese@presbyteryofdesmoines.org

# 88 - Star-gazing Prayer

Are you feeling small and seemingly insignificant in this vast universe? Pray like the Magi – galactic and expectant. Look out across the galaxies in wonder. And wait. God will show you how special, powerful, and specific his love can be. The Magi were given a star to guide them. On a dark night, turn the eyes of your heart heavenward and share with God your biggest challenges. In that context, God will guide you, too. God will grant you the peace that he is big enough to care for you! You are not insignificant but truly beloved of God.
Adapted from Beliefnet.com, 21 Ways to Pray.

Poor Child - Prayer Child

I watched a real time story on television where a local organization sponsored a Christmas shopping spree for underprivileged children at Wal-Mart. Each child was given an adult mentor and $100 with which to buy gifts for family and friends. The mentors were to guide the children in their selections.

The mentors were also told to see that each child bought something nice for herself/himself.

The children were smart shoppers. Their gift choices were wonderfully appropriate and dollar wise. I saw it on TV, the kids running up and down the aisles, excited, laughing, having fun. They chattered happily as they considered, compared, then chose their gifts. They had fun.....

.....until.....

.....it came time to buy something for themselves. Suddenly the children’s enthusiasm vanished. The mentors were put to the test. They urged the children to get themselves a gift, something they wanted or needed, something nice.

The children were hesitant, reluctant to spend on themselves. But finally, with their mentors’ encouragement, each child did select a personal gift. And having put that challenge behind them the childrens’ thoughts turned to once again to gift giving. Their joy returned. They were more than happy. They were satisfied. How wonderfully curious that even the poorest child finds greater joy in giving to others than in providing for self

There is a prayer parable here for those feeling small, inadequate, unworthy.

In it we are the children. Happy and eager to pray for others. Hesitant to pray for ourselves. But blessed when we do.

Prayer child, take the mentor’s advice to heart. Do something nice for yourself. Draw near to Jesus. And you will be blessed this Christmas.

# 87 - Ephesians 3 Prayer

Here’s a way to pray for individuals when you don't really know the details of what's going on in their lives. It works for anyone. Use this Biblical language of Ephesians 3, or similar words of your own.
Hear my prayer for __(insert name)__, O Lord.
I pray that you may grant, in accordance with the riches of your glory, that he/she may be strengthened in his/her inner being with power through your Spirit.
I pray that you will dwell in his/her heart by faith, as he/she is established and grounded in your love.
I pray that he/she may have the power to comprehend, with all the saints, the breadth and length and height and depth of your love: to know this love that surpasses knowledge.
I pray that he/she may be filled with all your fullness, O God.
By the power at work within us you are able to accomplish abundantly far more than we can ask or imagine. To you be glory in the church and in Jesus Christ to all generations, forever, and ever. Amen.