What did Paul pray for?

What ever he prayed for, I can guarantee you that the prayer life he cultivated was far from the "God bless my family, keep me safe, and be with the starving children of Darfur." that has infiltrated my prayer life. As an American people, our recent prayers have been for the nation, the economy, for peace, and for prosperity. For along time, I have really wanted to study what it was that Paul devoted his prayer life too. If there was ever a guy who seemed to have the attention of God, it would have been Paul (second only to Jesus probably). So what was it that Paul prayed for?

Throughout the letters of Paul, he is constantly praying for the recipients of his letter. As I studied his prayers for the church, I couldn't help but notice that mine seem so shallow in comparison. Something, be it depth or outlook, seems strangely absent from my prayer life.

Two things that Paul prayed for seemed to come to the fore front yesterday. Two items seemed at this time of the year to shine brighter than the others.

1. Paul gave thanks for the people in his life. It is of no coincidence that many of Paul's prayers found themselves in the midst of his thanksgiving. Holidays are a stressful time. Tensions run higher, schedules are more hectic, and we find ourselves in close contact to the people around us. Paul takes his relationships with people to God, and gives thanks for them. A healthy habit for us to partake of near this time of year. That is what this holiday is about, giving thanks for the people around you.

2. Paul prayed for power and love in the recipients of the book. This weekend was Persecuted Church Sunday. Stacy talked about her friend in China and the way that Christians live over there. I talked a bit about my friends in North Africa. We talk constantly about missionaries who go to persecuted countries, but overlook the fact that their children go through the same things. We prayed for them. That their love may increase and that God's power will take them over. On Persecuted Church Sunday, we talked about Paul's continual prayer for the power and love of God to come upon people.

Do you now see how a prayer life like mine can pale in comparison? I offer up egotistical prayers for self preservation and blessings for those who wish to aid and abed me. As for praying for your enemies, not so much. Praying for others to know Christ, falls behind my own prayers for my own comfort and security.

I found myself greatly convicted by this study. As for the high schoolers that studied this as well, I cannot be sure what they were thinking. It is my hope that prayer lives have changed, as I know mine has.

Anatomy of Gray

Last night, I was given the privilege, nay the pleasure of watching the Seaman High School play. I was really there to watch a couple of my kids star in it; but still it was a great way to spend a Thursday night. Becca Sells was one of the lead roles; June Mouldon. If you have seen the play, and know Becca; the acting part could not have been very difficult for her. Her character is really just a portrayal of who she is off of stage. One point during the show, had the doctor limited her character to only one question a day. This is a strategy that has crossed my mind with Becca as well. The day dreaming, the questions, the overall disposition of her character was simply Becca. She did phenomal. Nathan was a townsperson. He was actually the understudy for a character named Homer. If you knew Nathan, his disposition would be better suited for the Doctor; however, he would have made a fine Homer. He did a fine job of entering and exiting on cue.

A couple things I learned about plays:

1. It is common to bring the leads flowers for their performance. I took flowers to Becca for the Nutcraker last year, but was unaware of this tradition in theatre as well.

2. I do not pay good enough attention during key parts of the play. Relying on the rewind button on my DVD player gets me through movies. There is no rewind on theatre.

3. I am not made to understand the end of plays.

SPOILER ALERT (due to the nature of this section the ending will be given away)

When I was in 4th grade, I watched Seaman High School put on DAMN YANKEES. During the final act there was a bomb threat on the school. I have never got to see the end of the play. Does he get his soul back? What happens to Lola? I still live in constant turmoil over the ending.

Anatomy of Gray ended with two healthy people and a baby sailing off down the river. The doctor then finds the problem with the water. End of play. I have never been more angry with an ending in all my life. I have a healthy respect for those who tie up all the loose ends. If I wanted to imagine an ending, I would make up my own story. Leonard (the author) is telling me a story then leaving me hanging, which is rude.

Overall I loved the play, enjoyed hanging out with Clay in the back, and loved getting to see my kids act.

The Capital Journal wrote about it here: http://www.cjonline.com/stories/111308/lei_355452739.shtml