# 92 - Firefighter's Prayer

As we approach Holy Week 2010, let’s remember that Christians are spiritual firefighters, rescuing those who are in peril of being engulfed by the raging fires of Hell. This Firefighter’s Prayer is as appropriate to our spiritual mission as it is to the heroes of our communities. When I am called to duty, God, wherever flames may rage, give me strength to save a life whatever, be its age. Let me embrace a little child before it is too late, or save an older person from the horror of that fate. Enable me to be alert and hear the weakest shout, and quickly and efficiently to put the fire out. I want to fill my calling to give the best in me, to guard my friend and neighbor and protect their property. And, if, according to your will, I have to lose my life, please bless, with your protecting hand, my family and my wife.

# 91 - The Prayer Concert

In many non-Western churches, Christians often pray aloud—all at the same time. The idea is to lift individual prayers to God in concert. Try it with your small group. Share prayer concerns and requests first. Then have everyone pray at once in low voices. No one hears specific words, just murmurs. The sound this makes is beautifully soothing. Imagine what it sounds like to God! An added benefit is that this form of prayer can help you focus on God and prevent your mind from wandering while someone else is talking to the Lord. This idea from NavPress e-newsletter March 9, 2010

# 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.