The PRAYERwerks: Stones that Speak

Monday, November 15, 2010

Stones that Speak

Joshua erected a monument at The Gilgal, using the twelve stones that they had taken from the Jordan.

…this was so that everybody on earth would recognize how strong God’s rescuing hand is and so that you would hold God in solemn reverence always. (Joshua 4:20-24, The Message)

Dear God,

You instructed Joshua to build a memorial of twelve stones - a memorial that would speak of your blessing, guidance and protection to the generations.

We erect monuments to our heroes - military, commerce, philanthropy, church and sports.

But what are the “stones that speak” in my life? Could I find twelve? What about faith? Family? Is there a stone that speaks of service? Discipleship? Grace?

And certainly, my monument doesn’t merit chiseled marble. Maybe a pile of river rocks where your Spirit has removed the jagged edges.

Lord Christ, I pray that my life will speak to others - of your blessing, guidance and protection - that they will hold you in reverence and recognize your strong, rescuing hand. Amen.

Photo credit

I admire people who can pray spontaneously, but there’s something to be said for word craft, especially when the words are offered to the Lord.

The PRAYERwerks is my attempt to assemble the components of prayer: Praise. Gratitude. Confession. Repentance. Intercession. Humility. Authenticity. The result: A connection with the presence and power of God.

(There’s a significant omission from the list above: silence before the Lord and listening for his voice. I can’t really assist with that on the Internet other than to remind you of its importance!)

I'm publishing my prayers on the web because we can’t get enough…offer enough…speak enough…internalize enough PRAYER. As St. Paul advised the Thessalonians “PRAY WITHOUT CEASING.” This is my modest contribution to the cause.

Here’s a disclaimer: I may "sample" ideas and language from my daily Bible study - Encounter with God - from Scripture Union USA, and the other resources listed below on the sidebar. Some might consider it plagiarism. I prefer to think of it as improvisation, and I attempt to give the authors and expositors credit.

Thanks for visiting The PRAYERwerks.

G.W. Habel
Durham NC, USA

I only pray when I'm in trouble. But I'm in trouble all the time, so I always pray.

Isaac Bashevis Singer

Nobel Laureate

Prayer is eternity in the midst of mortality, life among death, hope amidst despair, true promise surrounded by lies. So let us pray unceasingly.

Henri Nouwen

One way to make sure that your heart is in tune with God is to pray often. The more you talk to God, the more he will talk to you.

Family Christian Press

Prayer names how God becomes present to us and how we participate in that presence by praying for others.

Stanley Hauerwas
Duke University
From Hannah’s Child