3rd day to PRAY for 2015!

So far, we have prayed into the words – purpose and perspective from Colossians 1 and position from Hebrews 4. For this year of 2015, we are praying that our “lines of purpose” attached to our future in heaven are held “taut” by the hope Father has given to us. So, before we take steps into this new year, we also remember our position in Jesus. He has extended his hand to us and promised a life lived in his strength and rest. We are not alone, and he is in charge. With this truth, we are ready for whatever 2015 may hold, and we are eager to adventure with Father into the days of this year.

At least, that sounds like a good idea. I want to be eager. I want to “abandon myself.” I want to raise my hands in the air and plunge into this new year. But . . . .

I had a lovely dinner with some friends this weekend and asked them what was on their heart for this year of 2015? I can’t wait to share with you all that we discussed. First conversation was about the “but” or as Stephanie called them “the what if’s.”

The world around us – politics, business, war, etc. blocks our path. There is plenty going on to make us feel uncertain and uncomfortable as we head into this year. The “what if’s” can be all consuming! Then, you can add on top of the world challenges the internal conflict that is constantly at war within us. The “what if’s” turn into fear and worry.

So, I am thinking today about the word – posture!

Father has been quite clear that the wars around us will continue raging. Jesus says: “in this world you will have trouble” (John 16:33). This is not the end of the verse nor the end of the story. He also says: “But take heart! I have overcome the world!” In me, there is peace!

I want to invite you today to a posture of “open hands.” My good friend Henri Nouwen invited me to this posture in his book With Open Hands.

He writes: “When you want to pray, then, the first question is: How do I open my closed hands? Each time you dare to let go and to surrender one of those many fears, your hand opens a little and your palms spread out in a gesture of receiving. You must be patient, of course, very patient until your hands are completely open.”

Henri has a final prayer for us today on the last page of his book for one of the first pages of our year!

Dear God,
I do not know where you are leading me.
I do not even know what my next day,
my next week, or my next year will look like.
As I try to keep my hands open,
I trust that you will put your hands in mine
and bring me home.
Thank you, God, for your love.
Thank you.
Amen.