Lifeline

On the days when I was falling apart, when I sobbed uncontrollably while changing a diaper, when I considered seeking the help of a mental health specialist, when things I found on the computer scared me more than any nightmare I could have ever imagined, when I woke up in the middle of the night with crying, chest pains, nausea, and shaking, when those I trusted to help me went soft on the issues, when I felt that speaking up would be betrayal, when I had no one else to talk to and no one else to get answers or direction from, these were the verses I prayed for myself. Every day. Many times a day. 

I wrote them on cards. Every chance I got, I pulled them out and prayed through them - cried through them. Desperate to get these gifts from the Lord. He heard, listened, and took me under His wings. 

For this reason also, since the day we heard of it, we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for the attaining of all steadfastness and patience; joyously giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in Light.

• •• Colossians 1:9-12 •• •

A friend told me recently that when her husband left her, she had to have a Bible laying out in every room of the house. That is being desperate for God and His presence - when you literally can't go a few minutes without a Word from Him. He satisfies even then, in the darkest places. Praise His Name!

Sweet Hour of Prayer

I had just sent off a difficult email that had to be sent, but one that would not be accepted well. This is something that is generally not only difficult for me to do, but near impossible to survive. My neck was starting to swarm with hot, itchy, raised spots. This is so small to some people but it was a huge step of assertiveness and resisting fear of man for me.

After the deed was done, I just happened (har) to turn on my radio and because today was a Day of Prayer, the station put on a song by Damaris Carbaugh singing Sweet Hour of Prayer. I was surprised by how much the words touched me and were perfect for my minutes of distress today. So as soon as it was done, I bought it on iTunes, listened to it again and bawled.

 So I needed this right then. Thank you, Lord.





Below is a link to the iTunes page 
where you can listen to a snippet of and purchase this beautiful song. 
Damaris Carbaugh - Sweet Hour of Prayer

Sweet hour of prayer! Sweet hour of prayer! 
That calls me from a world of care, 
And bids me at my Father's throne
Make all my wants and wishes known.
In seasons of distress and grief, 
My soul has often found relief
And oft escaped the tempter's snare
By Thy return, sweet hour of prayer! 

Sweet hour of prayer! Sweet hour of prayer! 
The joys I feel, the bliss I share, 
Of those whose anxious spirits burn
With strong desires for Thy return! 
With such I hasten to the place
Where God my Savior shows His face, 
And gladly take my station there, 
And wait for Thee, sweet hour of prayer! 

Sweet hour of prayer! Sweet hour of prayer! 
Thy wings shall my petition bear
To Him whose truth and faithfulness
Engage the waiting soul to bless.
And since He bids me seek His face, 
Believe His Word and trust His grace, I'll cast on Him my every care, 
And wait for Thee, sweet hour of prayer! 

Sweet hour of prayer! Sweet hour of prayer! 
May I Thy consolation share, 
Till, from Mount Pisgah's lofthy height, 
I view my home and take my flight:
This robe of flesh I'll drop and rise
To seize the everlasting prize; 
And shout, while passing through the air, 
"Farewell, farewell, sweet hour of prayer!"

A few years ago Damaris performed at my church during the weekend of Easter. We were invited to join our pastor in taking her out to dinner afterwards. She is a lovely woman. Humble. She looks like Jesus. I love her voice, but more than that, what is inside comes through so clearly and it is beautiful. 

Truth

"Never be guilty of sacrificing any portion of truth on the altar of peace."

~ J.C. Ryle ~