February 16th

February 16th
How do you take a picture of prayer? Because that’s what yesterday’s time mostly went on. Listening prayer – which, when it’s me doing that for myself rather than others, could also be called arguing prayer. Like Jacob, I wrestle, and like Jacob I say, “I will not let you go until you bless me.” Unlike Jacob, I frequently say, “Not like that, though! That wasn’t what I meant! Oh. It’s what you mean, though.”

So I decided lego was the answer (I reckon it’s the answer to quite a few things). Because sometimes listening prayer just feels like a tray full of bits and pieces, and I’m trying to sort out what they’re supposed to make, and it would be really helpful, Jesus, if you’d tell me where you’ve hidden the instructions because I need them.

And you’re taking me to some places I don’t want to go – emailed a friend with yesterday's blog and a covering note that said, “Why is Jesus so fond of taking us to the I-don’t-want-to-go-there places in our lives? The sleeping dogs that we would so much rather let lie?” She’s pretty savvy, Emily is, and her answer hit the nail right on the head (and possibly my thumb was in the way as well, because it was definitely one of those “Ouch” moments.)

"Because Jesus didn't say "Come to me, all you who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you coping strategies."
He wants to give us rest. It is nearly impossible to cope and rest at the same time.
Who was it describes sleep as a sacrament, because for those few hours we have to trust God to take care of everything?"

Okay…you’re pretty serious about this I-want-you-to-stop-coping thing, aren’t you Jesus?

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