Tag: faith

Constant prayer

Published on by lindseybiggsLeave a comment

The Bible talks about “praying without ceasing” (1 Thes. 5:17), which can sometimes sound like an unattainable goal.

How does one pray all the time? Is it even possible?

I recently came across two statements in the Christian Science textbook, which helped me understand this better.

“The habitual struggle to be always good is unceasing prayer.” (Science and Health, p. 4)

“Consistent prayer is the desire to do right.” (Science and Health, p. 9)

So, when I desire to do the right thing and to be good, I am praying.

I wanted to ask a friend for a favor the other day. Then thought came to me: rather than just invite him over to help me on a project, I should invite him over for dinner, hang out with him and enjoy his company. We could get the project done at the same time, and I could take the time to appreciate getting to know him in a new way (he has helped my family on many occasions). Later, I realized that my desire to do the right thing in this situation, was actually a form of praying.

So whether we’re picking out a movie to watch on a Friday night or making plans with friends, our desire to do good in every situation is a form of praying.

That certainly makes the goal of “praying without ceasing” much more tangible to me!

It’s all about perspective

Published on by lindseybiggsLeave a comment

My cat brought a small, cool-looking lizard in to the house today. Trying to catch the lizard while stopping the cat from playing with him was challenging. The lizard was fast & freaked out. And eventually ran to a dark hole underneath the dishwasher. I waited for him to come out for an hour or so, but to no avail.

I went to my next appointment thinking about this lizard. Did he know when he woke up this morning that this would be the day when he was captured by a predator & stuck in a dark hole probably left to die?

But on the heels of these dark thoughts came a burst of light. Wait a minute! Was I going to accept the limited perspective of the lizard? Or was I going to see the situation for what it really was? I was right there wanting & waiting to help the lizard & return him to the bright, sunny outdoors where he could continue to live happily.

I thought about how many situations look like this from God’s perspective. God is right there ready & wanting to help us, to rescue us from a dark seeming situation. However because of our limited perspective we freak out, run & hide in the dark, perhaps wanting to work it out on our own.

The lizard was in no real danger when he entered my house; I was right there to help him. I was grateful to realize that the danger was only perceived according to his limited consciousness, & the goodness of the day had never actually left.

When I returned home, I found the lizard sunning himself on the carpet near the window. My husband & I were able to open the door & herd him towards it, at which point he willingly let my husband pick him up & place him outside. He went happily running off.

I was grateful for the opportunity to help this beautiful lizard. And I’m even more grateful for the spiritual lesson I learned about how I can see from God’s perspective more often and trust His ever-present, loving care.

Reblog: His Voice

Published on by lindseybiggsLeave a comment

Cute analogy. This is in a response to when a child asks why she has a hard time hearing God’s voice.

Reblogged from Deep and Wonderful Thoughts

His Voice

My middle child said to me one day, “Mom, I never hear God’s voice. He talks to you, but not to me.” I then proceeded to give him an illustration.

Me: “How do you know your dad’s voice?”

Child: “Because I know him. I know what he sounds like.” Read more