Peaceful Prayer

Since I have labeled my Thursdays to include my prayer group for this day, it always reminds me of what an important part prayer plays in my life. It re-focuses my life where it should be and keeps me on track, so let's try for some Peaceful Prayer.

The picture below could be included in one of my Friday favorites as it is a picture I fell in love with when my late husband, Mario and I went (many years ago) to Washington, DC and the National Cathedral there. It was a print with no frame and it touched my heart...so much beautiful, all encompassing love there...

So, when I think of prayer and peace, I remember what Jesus told His apostles, that He was giving them peace, but not the world's kind of peace...hmmm, and what does the world call peace but a lack of war or violence? Jesus' peace is one that includes caring for each other whether we agree or disagree about issues, wishing the best for, praying for and helping one another. No one said 'peace' was easy!! Sometimes we even create peace by avoiding situations that can cause dissension or problems, while still keeping these people in prayer and being kind to them.

While looking for peaceful prayer I found some nice photos to share. The one below is called "prayer alley" and is located in South Carolina. It's nice to imagine people walking down it and praying...it has a prayerful 'look', don't you think?

Then this little baby popped up and it said that she was praying and it does look like way...of course babies are so fresh from Heaven that they are experts!

Next there was this figure of someone praying intently and you can almost see the devotion and peacefulness etched into the face...







This pink one is bound to be one of Eileen's favorites as it is pink, but most importantly, it seems to just feel peaceful and prayerful...


In my 'blog travels', I have come across many lovely and inspiring sites, helping me to remember that it's not all about what is happening around me but what is above me, my Heavenly Creator, that will make me a better me. One of the many places that i get myself centered on God is at Tamara's Treasures, where there are short, insightful Scripture quotes and reflections.

For a blessed thought each day see Tamara.

This was another sweet find (and great idea) on the Internet search I did:

"Sometimes it is difficult having your own prayer time at home. The phone is jangling, kids are crying and there is always a pile of laundry. And I don't know about you but for me, there are always chores clamoring for my attention.

It seems impossible at times to
have a simple thought for myself, much less a prayer. But you can! You can find some solace in your own prayer garden.

Prayer gardens have been around for centuries and are currently finding their way back into our culture today. These private havens are perfect for spiritual people who enjoy some quiet time in nature to pray and meditate on the things of God.

Here are some great suggestions to create your own peaceful prayer garden.It doesn't have to be expensive or too time consuming. But just like any garden the more time and money you spend in it the more beautiful a harvest you can enjoy for yourself. Take some time to plan a small space in your own backyard where you can enjoy some quiet time in prayer and mediation before you get started.

Here are some elements you will need to create your own prayer garden.

First you will want to create the illusion of a small airy room. Outdoor gazebos or canopies are perfect for creating a small room. Or you can use mosquito netting hung from the limbs of trees. The netting creates a romantic, heavenly feel that you will love. However, netting will get dirty from being outdoors so you may want to pull the netting down when not in use.

The second element you will need are some comfortable places to sit, like a comfortable cushioned lawn chairs. It's good to have at least two. One for you and one for a heavenly visitor! You could also use rocking chairs. Stools and benches are great when they are cushioned.

Next set the atmosphere for worship with a CD player or music system playing peaceful music that will help you to enter into a time of prayer. I enjoy instrumental CD's by Hillsongs and other worship teams while in my garden.

Then consider your decorations. You could have some candles, preferably shielded candles in glass containers to keep from tipping over and starting a fire. Also consider a water feature or bird bath that will lend a touch of peace to your prayer garden. Then you could add scripture
plaques or word rocks that say PEACE, FAITH, and LOVE.Statuary is a nice touch as well. Statues of Christ and angels scattered through your prayer garden will keep you in the prayer mood while walking through and around your space.Flowers and butterfly bushes are important too. You can buy nice potted flowering bushes that will attract butterflies and birds. Check with your local Lowes or Home Depot to get the best deals on decorations for your garden."

Since there are angels in this post, it reminded me of a story my loving mother once told me about me. I must have been about four or five and mom was going somewhere with me and we took the bus together for the first time, in busy Chicago. My mom said that there were some black people on the bus standing next to us and I kept on looking at them and staring attentively, this being my first time seeing any one whose skin was different from mine. My mother said she was feeling nervous as she could tell I was about to make a comment. Finally I said "Mommy, look, angels!" All those people broke out in big grins!!

How about some smiles and chuckles?

The teacher in our Bible class asked a woman to read from the Book of Numbers about the Israelites wandering in the desert. "The Lord heard you when you wailed, 'If only we had meat to eat!' " she began. "Now the Lord will give you meat. You will not eat it for just one day, or two days, or five, or ten or twenty days, but for a month—until you loathe it."When the woman finished, she paused, looked up, and said, "Hey, isn't that the Atkins diet?"

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A motorist was driving in the country when he came upon a priest and a rabbi standing on the shoulder of the road, fishing. Next to them was a sign that read "Turn Around. The End Is Near."

The motorist didn't like to be preached to, so he rolled down the window and yelled, "Mind your own business, you religious nuts!"

A few seconds later the two fishermen heard tires screech, then a splash.

The rabbi turned to the priest and said, "I told you we should've just written, 'Bridge Out.' "

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One Sunday, while serving as a guest minister to a local church, I noticed in the program an order of worship with which I was unfamiliar. Since the service had already begun, I was unable to ask anybody about it. So when we reached that particular moment, I swallowed my pride and asked from the pulpit, "What do I do now?" Someone in the congregation shouted back, "You say something and we respond." Embarrassed, I admitted, "For the first time in my life, I'm speechless." And the congregation responded, "Thanks be to God."

***Thank You Lord, for the blessings of finding good in others and trying to be peaceful prayers.