Posted on 12/15/2003 5:44:48 PM PST by Xenalyte
Asking for the help and support that FReepers so generously and gladly give.
I became unemployed again in mid-November. When it last happened in January, I was working within two weeks, so I figured this time would be just as easy for a superb tech writer with a slick resume and great experience. Wrong, I was. I've worked a couple of temp jobs in the past month, but they're not reliable or long-term. The market may be looking up, but likely not until after the first of the year, and that seems like forever away when one's trying to make bills now.
Add to that the usual holiday stressors, and one very unusual one - the Dread Boston Salty is living at obedience school for two weeks, so my baby boy isn't here with me and it's killin' me. Xena's Guy is in Vegas for a few days, and the house is eerily and freakishly quiet.
And on top of it, for some reason my prayers don't feel right. I don't get the peaceful feeling I used to, and (as I told one FReeper earlier today) once you start worrying if you're even praying right, you're in a big downward spiral. I mean, what kind of fool doesn't even know how to pray? :)
That's not the problem in your case. Possibly trying too hard to get it exactly right. God hears you no matter how you pray and knows what you are trying to say. Try to relax and just let your heart go.
The only advice I have for you is to meditate only on Who God is and on Jesus Christ. Putting everything else out of your mind, focus only on loving them until you are overwhelmed anew. Your petitions are already known.
Hang in there, Xena ! Something will come up soon, I just know it !!
Sounds to me like that assertion is based on shakey theology. The bible tells us to examine ouselves constantly, and that includes our prayer life. Nevertheless, this isn't the time/place to split hairs.
Prayers are up for you Xenalyte
Could be worse...
FWIW, my wife has been having the same difficulty as you with prayer -- that peaceful feeling is elusive. We've all had it at one time or another. It's hard to say what's happening, but I think perhaps it's probably busy-ness, worry, and stress.
One thing you might consider: when you pray, might you really just be looking for that peace, and perhaps not really listening?
Here's an idea for you: listen to Christmas music -- the real stuff, with a choirs and orchestras, and music by people like Handel, Mendelsohn, and Bach. Look for something with In The Bleak Mid-Winter, maybe.
A really good place to find music, and maybe a different perspective on worship, might be an orthodox Episcopal Church -- I believe there are several in the Houston area. If I may be so bold, you could try St. James in Conroe. The rector there is Linda Seracuse, who used to serve at my parish. She's wonderful.
Many times the LORD speaks in a still, small voice. Ask Him to speak. Be silent, and listen.
He delights in answering prayers when we are open to His answers, not ours.
Then, just a simple quiet time and deep relaxing breaths, praise and thank the Lord. Ask Him to see to your needs - you don't have to spell it out. Trust that He knows.
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