GROWING EDGES

In recent days the growing edge for me has come through putting my prayers into written form. This approach forces me to give careful attention to my heart yearnings toward God. To be sure, God knows what is in my heart. But I don't, and through the simple discipline of writing out my prayers God is working with me to reveal to me what I am seeking. This process clarifies and purifies my asking, so that I learn more and more how to think God's thoughts after him. Here are a few sample prayers—perhaps you can pray them with me.

"A Prayer at Coffee Time"
Somehow, Jesus, I like praying with a cup of coffee in my hands. I guess the warmth of the cup settles me and speaks of the warmth of your love. I hold the cup against my cheek and listen, hushed and still.

I blow on the coffee and drink. O Spirit of God, blow across my little life and let me drink in your great Life.
—Amen.

"A Prayer of Accepted Tenderness"
Today, O Lord, I accept your acceptance of me.
I confess that you are always with me and always for me.
I receive into my spirit your grace, your mercy, your care.
I rest in your love, O Lord, I rest in your love.
—Amen.

"A Sojourning Prayer" (Written while on a trip to Southeast Asia.)
O Lord, my Lord, I am a stranger in a strange land. Absent are all the subtleties of custom and language and sight and smell and taste which would normally give me my bearings.
Jesus, ever-living Teacher, use my out-of-placeness to remind me again of my alien status in this world. I belong to another kingdom and live out of another reality. May I always be ultimately concerned to learn the nuances of this eternal reality so that when it becomes my permanent residence, I will not find it strange in the least.
In the name of him who entered a foreign land so that all who will might come home to that for which they were created.
—Amen.

Peace and joy,

Richard J. Foster