i sigh..... and feel refreshed

this read was bitter sweet.
it is an amazing book on prayer.
i knew a great man of prayer.... he sings with the angels now.

now understand, the book is not rocket science or anything new, but refreshing to be reminded of truths that can escape in the chaos of life....why prayer is so important, why we do it so badly, why we need to do it, how we can do it.... etc.

i was reminded that i am to come to him like a small child (i have a few examples in my house to give me a clear image of what that looks like).....needy, messy, dependent. my cynicism gives way to unbelief...."prayer is the positive side of the surrendered will."

quotes:

• "it didn't take long to realize that i did my best parenting by prayer. i began to speak less to the kids and more to god."
• "until you are convinced that you can't change your child's heart, you will not take prayer seriously."
• "ask."
• "we shy away from prayers that invite god to rule our lives. they make us vulnerable."
• "at the center of self-will is me, carving a world in my image. at the center of prayer is god, carving me in his son's image."
• "the best gift of the desert is god's presence."
• "if you wait, your heavenly father will pick you up, carry you out into the night, and make your life sparkle. he want to dazzle you with the wonder of his love."