Volume 39: Rest in ACTS
On Wednesday, I was given the opportunity to stand in front of the middle schoolers at camp and share with them the importance of "time well spent." Definitely a topic that I feel passionate about - one that I could probably spend over an hour talking about, yet was only given 15 minutes...
As I thought about how to condense all of my thoughts, there were two important points that stood out to me that middle schoolers needed to be reminded of: spending time in prayer and spending time doing kind things for others.
I related to them that prayer is HARD! It can be challenging to pray when we don't see God nor hear back from Him. But, at the same time, prayer has been something that I have clung to more this summer than any before.
In Patrick's outline for the talk, he included a statistic that "84% of young people say they do NOT commit to praying daily." When I read this, I mentioned for them to think about what would happen if 84% of young people didn't talk to their best friend every day! I think that helps give some perspective to prayer. It's simply daily communication with our perfect, loving Father, who cares to listen to us and help us.
For me, praying can be hard because I get distracted easily and my mind goes in a million different directions, especially in the summer. Therefore, I have been clinging to the ACTS prayer method this summer:
Adoration
Confession
Thanksgiving
Supplication
After my daily readings in the gospel, it is easy to align this prayer method with the stories of Jesus. Whether prayers for forgiveness, endurance, patience, or loving others, it has helped me to start with Jesus and then ask for His assistance in my journey of becoming more like Him.
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Mark 4:35-41
Jesus, you are a God who adores His people - yet you are the one who deserves constant and endless adoration from us. You are a God who can calm a great storm with just words, "Peace, be still!"
There are so many times when I am like the disciples, asking "Do you not care that we are perishing?" Even though you have never failed me, I still doubt your plan for me. And I am sorry.
Thank you for allowing us to doubt. Thank you for the way you are always with us and always working even when it may seem like you're asleep on the cushion. Thank you that you are willing to calm the storms in our lives.
Jesus, grant me peace. Still my anxious heart. Help me to know that you are right alongside me, on my boat, even here at camp. Even the wind and the seas obey you - help me to do the same.
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Mark 6: 1-6
Jesus, you were misunderstood even in your hometown, yet you continued with your purpose and mission. You set an example of being fully submitted to your Father's plan. May we follow your lead.
There are many times I don't submit - that I question what you're doing. As soon as I'm misunderstood or face a challenge, I start to look at other things rather than you. I'm sorry - you have shown your goodness and provision over and over and over and I still don't always live as if I trust.
Thank you for being a God who relates, who walked here on earth so that you would not be some far away God who cannot relate with His people. Thank you for your patience with me and that even when we question you, you are still always working for our good.
I pray that you would help me to fully trust you. That with my eyes locked on the King, I may more fully see your goodness and new mercies everyday.
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Mark 7: 30-44
Jesus, in a moment that you were taking your disciples to a desolate place to rest and rejuvenate after long journeys, the crowd beat y'all there. Yet, rather than sending them away, you had compassion and loved them right then and there. And then, to take it even further, you provided food for them, satisfying their human, earthly need.
There are times when I neglect the people that you have placed in front of me, especially at camp. Times that I am selfish about my "desolate place" and rest. I am sorry for not trusting that your presence is always with me and that I can always rely on you and you alone for everything I need.
Thank you for your willingness to take the very little that I have and multiply it to serve your purpose. Thank you for never asking for too much from us.
Jesus, take what I have and use it. May you continue to feed me with your supernatural joy and strength and patience.
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In addition to prayer, I have also been stretched in my awareness and recognition of how badly I need the Holy Spirit. (Thank you to Debbie for the reminders). In the moments when I feel that I have nothing left to give, I have felt the Spirit lead me and help to change my mindset and provide what is needed. Every couple of days, I read Galatians 5:16-26 and it has been really helpful for me:
But I say, WALK BY THE SPIRIT and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. Now the works of the flesh are evident.... But the fruit of the spirit is
joy
peace
patience
kindness
goodness
faithfulness
gentleness
self-control.
And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
May I be diligent in choosing the Holy Spirit over my broken flesh every day!!
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Song of the summer: Get Back To The Well - Housefires
If you haven't heard it, give it a listen and may you find rest!! It has currently been on repeat the whole time as I've been writing this post.
This was one of those songs that brought me peace immediately when I first heard it. The words are such a good reminder of our never-ending well and source of everything we need!
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