Finding Joy, Finding Your God Voice

Words of Prayer and Reflections of Fall 2001

This last September during the week of Sept 11, once again I gathered with many of my former colleagues and others to acknowledge the fallen. Normally, I would relive many of the moments and experiences that I lived through on that day being a first responder to this historical event and attack on the United States. This year I tried a different approach with some inspiration from my good friend Joe, who is also a retired firefighter. He speaks about the 9/11 tragedy to groups often on the Hope and the lessons learned through tragedy and loss.

His approach reflects his positive perspective as he focuses on the survivors living full productive and radiant lives while we can, as we should. He turns the negative event in to an opportunity to speak on building and embracing the possibilities of greatness.

In that spirit, I want this message to focus on, beginnings. Let us start with coming before God in prayer to praise him and to have him ordain your intentions and answer our prayers. On that note, some people have revealed to me, especially those who are new in faith and want to expand their relationship with God, that they don’t believe that they know how to pray. Many believe that there is a formal way to speak to the Lord. The answer is no there is not, because prayers are your personal communication with the Father. How ever you look, however you speak and wherever you are, God wants to hear from you. You can approach him in any any language. You can come before him in silent prayer. You can be in your car or you can be at your desk at work. You can be in your hospital bed. You can reach out in your moment of joyful thanks or in your darkest hour. Just reach out to find his open arm.

This reminds me of a funny story that is told in ministry about a little girl who was asked to say a prayer in Sunday School and she bowed her head and sat silently. The teacher assumed that the girl would say a prayer aloud as the children normally do in class. The Sunday school teacher then said to the little girl, “We can’t hear you”. The little girl opened her eyes and raised her head to look at the teacher and say, “That’s because I was not talking to you”.

Isaiah 40:31 - But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

Speak to him in whatever voice that you have. Speak to praise him and to ask for advice or favor. Try to spend time with the Father daily through prayer or through reading scripture or by sharing his words through fellowship. The Bible gives us a beautiful prayer in the Lord’s Prayer. Here in this prayer we ask for forgiveness and you pledge to forgive others and you ask for protection from the temptation of evil and give The Father recognition for his glorious wonderful blessings.

This is a great start to opening up dialog with God. Speak to him specifically about everything in your heart. The more you pray the more natural opening up in prayer will become. God cares about you in totality. Allow God to take over and transform your life. Look forward for you bright future and know that in your darkness the light is only one step away. Look to your bright future with enthusiasm knowing that you are blessed.