I promised I’d loop you in in small nuggets. Today I am caring for our almost four-week old grandson so this blog will definitely be a small nugget. He is sleeping, but who knows how long that will last!

Over the past few weeks and as my family and I continue to journey in the aftermath of “the accident”, one book continues to instruct, guide, and encourage—A Praying Life by Paul E. Miller. I found myself revisiting this book often through the summer and still now. I shared quotes and eventually bought the book for my family involved in the accident. In his book, Miller authentically shares his journey, his family’s journey, and the prayer journey God began in him a long time ago and is still working in him. Some of the most powerful parts of the book are about his wife’s honesty in her journey with a very special needs daughter. He shares about many of the hard things they went through and how God met him and changed him along the way.

Below are a few parts that spoke to me and continue to remind me to live A Praying Life.

 “When I pray over a problem, it begins to sparkle with the energy of God. Strange things happen.”–I was reminded to invite God into our situation and watch for how He would work.

 

“Praying was inseparable from working, planning, and good old-fashioned begging.”–Yes, I have a part to play–praying my heart out and doing what God showed me to do. This summer that was in part caring for my niece and nephew and asking God for help to finish Katie’s wedding. The result–a wonderful time with my niece and nephew and a beautiful wedding for Katie.

 

“Self-will and prayer are both ways of getting things done. At the center of self-will is me, carving a world in my image, but at the center of prayer is God, carving me in his Son’s image.” As I prayed for our situation, God showed me that to be more like Jesus and truly love and serve others I need to die to put myself to the side. I’m not talking about not taking care of myself, but putting aside my wants to meet the needs of others. On the practical (and fun) side, it was more important for my niece and nephew to watch “Descendants” on Disney than for me to watch my HGTV shows.

 

I hope you are blessed, encouraged, and challenged as I am. No matter what situation you are in take this opportunity to lean in to God. Honestly talk to Him and then listen and watch for His response. You will be drawn into a relationship that will be richer than you can imagine. God is with you (Hebrews 13:5). He cares (1 Peter 5:6-7). He is working (John 5:17). I’ve experienced all of these and I know them to be true.

Brenda Garrison is an author and speaker who empowers women with the confidence to live their calling. Brenda is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science Degree in Ministry Leadership with a Concentration in Women’s Ministry at Moody Bible Institute. She and her husband, Gene, are the parents of three young adult daughters and live near Metamora, IL.