Tuesday, November 04, 2008

Journey of Prayer: The Shade Tree

"Hide me in the shadow of Your wings." ~ Psalms 19:8b

"Both high and low among men find refuge in the shadow of your wings."
~ Psalm 36:7b

The Shade Tree ...

"Take in this cozy, protected spot. Look up at the tree that is shielding you from sun, rain, visibility... You're not way off on a secluded trail, but here, near buildings, the road, it's still possible to feel alone, safe and peacefully protected.

Rest in God's protection over you.

Think about times in your life when you've been with the Lord in safe and peaceful places, and He's encouraged you, revealed things to you, enlightened, or simply lightened you. Remember, and thank Him.

How are you doing with finding a place, a time, regularly, to be with the Lord, shaded and hidden and close to His heart? If you're married or have roommates, are you helping them do the same? Jesus regularly went off by Himself, to quiet places, to be with His Father. Pray for focus and discipline to do the same.

"...how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing!" ~ Jesus (Luke 13:34)

Are you "willing" to live constantly under the wings of Christ, gathered up by Him whether you're by yourself in a pretty place, or in the thick of activity and challenge? Pray for mercy, and increased willingness to dwell under His shadow. Thank Him that His heart is so passionate for you - he "longs to gather you" close to Himself!"

I don't know about you - but this one really calls me to Him. This one speaks to the deepest desires of my heart, to some of the things I struggle with and to how I am thankful for and long for His protection. I pray that these truths would seep deep, deep into my heart and life.

10 comments:

Katy said...

I loved this Monica, thank you! :)

I usually find my quiet time in the mornings before everyone else is up. I am an early bird. :) I am constantly in prayer though. :)

Ann @TheAssetEdge said...

Beautiful post & lovely reminder. Especially on this election day!

Anonymous said...

Dear Monica, what a lovely post! I don't remember seeing this one on the brochure you brought back from GE -- but I can so relate to the need for God's protection and peace. Thanks for sharing -- Love you, Mom

asnipofgoodness said...

I really like this one too Monica. i could not survive without "his sheltering wings", I love that picture!!!

Frances said...

I find trees very conducive to worship. Sometimes, when I feel like I'm trapped in the city, I close my eyes and remember a giant horse chestnut that was a beautiful place of prayer for me years ago. I wrote a post on this subject, too.

Jenny said...

I couldn't make it through my day without this precious time. I find that the kids' nap time is the best time during the day for me.

I've been enjoying the homeschooling posts here on your blog. I see that you have these posts labeled as "homeschooling," but that label is not listed as one of the categories in your side bar. Would you mind adding it to your list so I can access these posts for future reference? Pretty please? :)

Jessica said...

It's nice to get a reminder that it's good to step away have have that quiet refreshing time alone with God. Is there a book that you're using for your prayer journey. I'd like to try a prayer journey as well.

Monica Wilkinson said...

Hi Jessica -

I shared in the first entry of this series that this was a set of sheets I picked up on my recent visit to Glen Eyrie. There was no author listed - but it was a GE employee who wrote these.

I'm planning to suggest in the coming weeks that we go on our own prayer journey - keep watching for more on that.

Monica

Monica Wilkinson said...

Hi Vintage Mommy :)

I fixed the homeschooling link - sorry about that - I always forget when I add new categories that I need to update that side bar!

Monica

Meander said...

Those first two verses are some of my favourites! Thanks so much for reminding me of them!