I Thessalonians 5:16-18 “Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
My prayer walk begins as I pull the crumpled blankets from a sweet nights rest up, “Lord, bless the man who slept here last night – give him strength for today’s trials, integrity for today’s temptations, and wisdom for today’s decisions.” I go around to the other side of the bed and pull the blankets up, “Lord, help me, help me be a blessing to my husband today, be patient with the children, and wise for today’s challenges.”
I walk into the bathroom – bathtub toys are strewn across the floor, I pick up the match box car, “Lord, bless my little boy who dreams big and plays hard – help him use his strength for you.” I lay my daughter’s bath baby back into her bucket – “Lord, bless my little girl, she has so many words to say, help her be wise in her word choices.”
I walk down to the kitchen, crumbs are wiped from the morning breakfast table, “Lord, use this table to comfort weary souls and encourage my little pilgrims on their journey.” I wipe the first chair, “Lord, help our leader husband to be healthy so he can complete the ever mounting tasks on his plate.” I wipe the second and third chair, “Lord, give the children laughter in their adventures together – knit their souls together.” And then the fourth… “Lord, help – I just need help…tears bubble under the surface…no more words for her need to be said – the Spirit already understands what words cannot express.”
Then into the living room, pillows are straightened, prayers are said for visitors, friends and family who once sat there. Dust is wiped from the piano as praise bellows in my heart for the joy that has come through the blessing of that black wooden box with ivory keys. Memories of children singing and dancing flood my heart with overwhelming joy. The joy is broken…the newspaper is lifted from the entry way – the world’s troubles vomit on me – prayers are lifted for my city, state, country, and President.
My heart is heavy as I lift the heavy laundry basket and carry it out of the room and up the stairs – the basket seems to get lighter as I thank the Lord for giving us these clothes in abundance. The drawer is opened, the clothes slip into their comfy home ready to be used.
I walk past the television and pause – “Lord, have we dishonored you by the things we have watched on there? Help us not to waste our time on useless viewing, which turns into useless living.”
I walk to my computer…there it sits…the world at my finger tips…it calls my name…it woos me to come and sit for a while.
My Bible is right beside the keyboard…there it sits…God’s only written truth there at my finger tips…it calls my name…it woos me to come and sit for a while.
Why am I so torn – why does the computer’s wooing seem stronger than the Bible’s? Pause for repentance – “Father forgive me for weak moments where time spent on my computer has caused me to neglect your word.”
I open my Bible and drink a tall glass of refreshing living water that is spilt on every page. Sweet refreshment – I rise refreshed as distant little voices call out “mommy”…temptations to carry my heavy burden rise with me. I move forward leaving my burden to lie at the feet of Jesus. My heart is light – I walk in peace – I walk with the King – the King walks with me.
Today – pause, take the time to pray over the people in your home, over the places they sleep, their toys, the television that will capture them and keep them hostage for as long as you allow, the computer that can bring life or death into your home. Let God use a daily prayer walk to transform your family…if you don’t pray for them – who will?
Walk with the King!
