You’re probably familiar with this verse:
Romans 8:28 (ESV)
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.
We tend to focus on the first half of the verse, the part about things working together for good. Let’s focus on the last half.
God calls each of us according to his purpose. His purpose, not ours. Question is, are we listening?
Lord, what’s your purpose for me? Let’s do it!
I dreamed a realtor welcomed me into my new home. It was a beautiful room:
Custom-made for me. Perfect!
John 14:2 (ESV)
In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?
I hope it was a preview of what’s yet to come.
I record highlights I remember from interesting dreams. For several years, I dreamed about bathrooms: outhouses off the beaten path, public restrooms, comfy bathrooms. I wrote in my journal, “What’s with the bathrooms, Lord?“
I realized those dreams represented my prayer life. The outhouse with the weed-choked path–I neglected prayer. Public restroom–I prayed with others but not by myself. The cozy-cottage bathroom–prayer was part of my routine.
Matthew 6:6 (CEV)
When you pray, go into a room alone and close the door.
Those dream bathrooms = my real-life prayer room. God has a sense of humor.
In my dreams, I often step through a door and into an unexpected room. Sometimes it is big and beautiful. Sometimes it is big and cluttered. Always big. Impossibly big.
These dreams remind me that I don’t know it all. God has plans I know nothing about. Big plans.
Ephesians 3:20 (CEB)
Glory to God, who is able to do far beyond all that we could ask or imagine by his power at work within us.
More than I can imagine or dream. Unexpected, big and beautiful.
Do you dream of houses? I do.
I’ve learned that the houses in my dreams often reflect the state of my relationship with God. If my “dream house” is in desperate need of renovation, my soul needs some quality time with the Master Carpenter.
Psalm 23:3 (ESV)
He restores my soul.
Psalm 122:6-7 (ESV)
Pray for the peace of Jerusalem!
“May they be secure who love you!
Peace be within your walls
and security within your towers!”
Protect Your people and Your land, Lord. Grant safety in their homes and business, security within her borders, in Jesus’ name.
Good morning, Lord. Remind me to pray when I’m frustrated, when I’m happy, when I’m confused, when I’m excited, when I can’t sleep, when I’m too busy, when I’m bored. Remind me to pray before I speak and before I decide. Remind me to pray all the time, about everything and everyone.
The Bible is clear.
1 Thessalonians 5:17 (NIV)
Pray continually.
Pray. All. The. Time. Easier said than done.
Good morning, Lord. Thank You for already being everywhere I will go today. You hear my prayers when I’m at home, on the road, at work, shopping, even when I’m running away from my problems. Teach me to turn to You when I’m worried, bored, excited, exhausted, scared, angry or resting. Dear God, thanks for listening–all the time.
Where to pray?
Here, there,
everywhere.
Psalm 139:7-10 (NIV)
Where can I go from your Spirit?
Where can I flee from your presence?
If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
if I settle on the far side of the sea,
even there your hand will guide me,
your right hand will hold me fast.
Anywhere I can be, God already is. And He’s listening.
