A little bit of ranting never hurt nobody!

 
:::haunting the idiot:::

I've mentioned his site before a couple of years ago when I stumbled upon it one night linking from one blog that turned into finding another blog that turned into finding another one, that led to his wife's blog (who I think has decided to stop posting on her current site and has gone into the Blogosphere Protection Program...oh well, sad she's gone...she seemed really cool too), which ultimately led me to his site (yeah, we've all done it...the best way to find interesting blogs). Anyway, the first night I found it, lo and behold he was talking about reading a Thomas Merton book, who's writing I love. So, for the past couple of years, I've been haunting his site, appreciating his wisdom and insight and really enjoying his writing on many things. Well, his post for February 2nd, has been stuck in my head ever since I read it yesterday. He starts with this quote by Emilie Griffin from her book, Clinging-The Experience of Prayer:


In order to find a person who prays, you have to look for clues; charitableness, good temper, patience, a fair ability to handle stress, resonance, openness to others. What happens to people who pray is that their inward life gradually takes over from their outward life. That is not to say that they are any less active. They may be competent lawyers, doctors, businessmen. But their hearts lie in the inner life and they are moved by that.


Now, if that doesn't put you in an introspective mood, I don't know what will. What I love about Brian's reflections on this quote are the transparency and humility he shows tackling it:


"I am learning that the burden of leadership can be exhausting and above all I am learning that the call to be consistent and unceasing in prayer is a greater call than any of these. Before we seek Truth, let us pray. Before we pursue wisdom, let us pray. Before we seek to lead, let us pray."


That took me out. Looking at my own prayer life, I see the evidence of potential...nothing more. I'm finding that, as Griffin put it, I'm being moved too often by the wrong things...if, in fact, my inward life is taking over from my outward life...man...I really need to do some spring cleaning, especially in the areas of my attitude and thought life.

Brian goes on to say:


"The call to pray is the call to know the mind and heart of God; and the ability to lead with Truth and Wisdom will only flow from a Spirit that quietly dwells in the presence of the King."


What great insight on how real leadership should look. And that can take on many forms...professionally, in ministry, as a husband..."the call to know the mind and heart of God"...

I need to dwell in Him...be absorbed into His arms...call Him "Father"...re-crown Him as King...before I seek or pursue anything, I need to be reminded...constantly...that He desires me to pursue Him with reckless abandon and the faith of a child. His idea of intimacy with Him and mine need to be in harmony...He's always had the right idea about it because it was breathed by Him in creation, and I haven't been good about trying to catch up as much as I should. Have I lost sight of how important prayer is? No. I see Him working in it every day! But, have I let it fall under the category of just one of those things I do...that it's something He uses in other peoples' lives, but not as much in mine because I don't feel like I need anything...and is that what it's become for me? Just someplace where I can fill out my itemized form of requests for myself and others and submit it to him about as intimately as an e-mail attachment? Is that reckless abandon? Is it radical? Is it what He desires from me? I can remember the times right after my sister died that no matter where I was, we were dialoguing constantly. I was cradled, comforted, encouraged, and walking in awe of His might and His strength. Spiritually, I felt awake and alert. I've let lethargy set in...my bones are dry and brittle, and I need His breath and His word to make them live and dance again. He hasn't moved, and now I'm crawling back...thirsty and weak. Funny thing, prayer. It's like the moment you pick up the phone and the person you were going to call is already on the other line...no dial tone or ring...they're just there waiting for you. I need to stop letting Him go to voicemail.

Lord, my ears are open now
I'm listening
I need to feel Your breath on me
To hear your mighty whisper
I'm listening now

PS- Seriously, if you get a chance, check out Brian's site, and tell him his crazy Merton fan from Dayton sent you.

Peace out, yo.
posted by Stacie @ 12:15 AM