Prayerful Pondering

by Pat Luffman Rowland

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I don’t remember a time I didn’t believe in God or know that Jesus was His Son and our Savior, but I made my profession of faith and was baptized at age 12. I’ll never forget the experience of understanding I was the Lord’s! The sun became ten times brighter and it was as if I could hear angels singing. It was a supremely joyful moment. And I can still “see” my immersion baptism in the small Baptist church as if I were looking on. With certainty and gratitude, I can declare that God has never failed me, even though I have failed Him many times over. God has blessed me with family and friends, opportunities and health, freedom and education. He has been ever faithful and I look forward to the day when I can bow at the feet of Jesus and thank Him for His unconditional love that has made all the difference. I have an undergraduate degree in Healthcare Consumer Relations and a master’s in Religious Studies. In 1990, I received the designation of Fellow with the National Society of Patient Representation and Consumer Affairs of the American Hospital Association. I worked for 27 years in healthcare, retiring as Corporate Director of Patient Affairs with Methodist Healthcare in Memphis, TN in 1998. A major part of my career was teaching about patient concerns and needs, their rights, and ethical matters of healthcare. I taught through writing, as well as speaking from coast to coast. For several years, I authored a byline, Patient Perspective, for a healthcare journal. Other publications include Tennessee Hospital Association newsletter, Marketing Perspective, nursing and pharmacy newsletters. I received a writing award from the American Hospital Association in 1990. There are three things in my life that I count the most rewarding: my work with the mentally challenged from 1978-1983, my healthcare days establishing and directing patient advocacy for a large healthcare system, and my present work as a reading tutor. Most of my writings at present are devotional in nature. Devotional publications include Upper Room, Presbyterian Daily, and on my church website, www.famemphis.net. I am retired and live in a suburb of Memphis with my cat Chloe. My daughter and son-in-law, Kristi and Mark Hearn, live in Georgia and are the delights of my heart. Additionally, I am blessed with a spiritual family, Son (Tim) and Hien-Anh (Hannah) Le, their children, Rachel, Rebecca, and Esther, and Hannah’s mother, Phuong Hong. I am active in my church, First Assembly Memphis, and tutor second graders at First Assembly Christian School (FACS).

  • His Mercy Endures Forever

    Father, I think often about Your mercy.  Your mercy throughout my life has been humbling and abundant.  Only You, O God, could extend such mercy to me — and to all humankind.  When I ponder on your mercy, these thoughts comes to me:

    You created man for a loving relationship.  You never intended us to know any kind of harm.  But man failed You.  Yet You remained steadfast.  So I say with the psalmist, “God’s mercy endures forever!”

    You provided clear commandments for how man was to live.  Man ignored Your commandments, which were given only for our good.  But even in that betrayal of relationship, You, O God, did not give up.  “For Your mercy endures forever!”

    Your only begotten son, Jesus, being God Himself, came to live among us, to give us the one true example of a right relationship with You.  Jesus taught, preached, and healed.    He showed us all were welcomed by You by choosing, and changing the lives of, liars and thieves, the shy and the bold to spread Your gospel of salvation.  Your son healed the sick, He raised the dead, and He loved the unlovely.  “For God’s mercy endures forever!”

    Jesus was rejected as the Messiah; He was ridiculed, and crucified. Yet, even this was used for purpose.  The shed blood of Jesus was to cover the sins of rebellious children.  “Yes, Your mercy endures forever!”

    His enemies scoffed and buried Him; they refused His sacrifice and saw themselves as winners.  Jesus rose triumphant over death and the grave, over the hard hearts of man!  “For His mercy endures forever!”

    Jesus appeared to His followers, He walked and talked with those who believed, He showed them the wounds of His crucifixion, and He told them again who He was.  He told them of His love and the power of His forgiveness.  What patience!  “O God, Your mercy endures forever!”  

    Then Jesus ascended into heaven, He went back to be with You and sit at Your right hand.  He, the King of Kings, the Lord of Lords, the One who will forever reign and rule.  But in all His greatness and all our failings, He has not left us alone.  He has tenderly cared for us by giving all who would come to Him, the Holy Spirit, His constant presence.  “O, wonderful God!  Your mercy endures forever!”

    Jesus is coming again!  He will claim His church, and He will complete the purpose of man’s creation.  For all those who confess Jesus as Savior and Lord, the desire of our Creator’s heart will be met:  a holy, eternal, loving relationship between God and man.  It will be so because

    “God’s mercy endures forever!” 

  • Trust

    Trust is key to receiving all that our loving God would have us receive from Him.  It is what enables our salvation, our direction, our keeping, our healing, all that is good.  It is our trust that God truly cares for us that secures our future – in this world and the next.  We trust Him as our Father who created us, and as our Savior who redeemed us.  It is the mantle of trust that our Friend would have us wear as we walk with Him on life’s journey.  Our trust says we expect Him to clear the brush from our pathway, take us around every obstacle, preserve us out of the floods and fires and strong winds of this life.  Trust declares God as our shield and shelter, our comfort and peace, and it is what we do that enables God’s pledge of devotion to His children.

    Father, this day we look to You with hearts of trust.
    We bow before Your sovereignty.
    We believe in You, Almighty God.
    We trust.

  • Giving Up Anxieties

    Father, I need to remind myself often that You have said we are to cast all our anxieties on You.  The natural thing for me to do is worry, fret, and think too much about my problems.  I wish I weren’t that way, but we both know I am.  You’ve taught in Your word that to carry our own burdens is wrong, and it is futile.  That’s why You said to give them to You.  You know the harm they cause us.  You know that if we focus on our problems, we lose our focus on You, the Problem Solver.  Then, we add worry to worry.  We bow under the load of the burdens, and stumble in ways we would not if we just let You take over.  Why is that so hard for some of us, Lord? For me?  I think it is simply a matter a faith.  With that confession, Father, I commit to You today all my cares.  I commit to You that when a concern comes to mind, I will look up and declare You Master over all.  If I find myself speaking in a negative way, I will ask Your forgiveness and begin offering thanks for all You have given.  If I catch myself stressing over anything at all, my Father, I am going to recount the many times and ways You have seen me through every storm, every uncertainty.    You are an awesome God.  You love us abundantly and always.  You, alone, O God, are able.   And with all of this, I will fill my mind today.

    “Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.”  1 Peter 5:7

  • Jesus

    Jesus.  Jesus.  Jesus.
    Sometimes that is the only prayer I have – and it is enough.
    When I’m waiting for an answer that doesn’t come and I know no more prayers to pray, I utter His name — Jesus.
    When the night is long and I can’t sleep, I whisper — Jesus.
    When I’ve lost my way, I cry out to the One who has not lost me.  I pray — Jesus.
    When I’m tired and I can’t see rest ahead, when all strength is gone, I breathe His name — Jesus.
    When I am in pain, I remember the One who can heal, and I plead — Jesus.
    If I’m afraid, I bear in mind that I have a Shield whose name is — Jesus.
    He is my Savior and my Lord, my Shelter and my Comforter.
    He gives me sanctuary under His wing and supplies me with restoration and peace.
    He is the Holy Lamb of God, the One who comes with compassion and new hope.
    He is my Faithful Friend and the Radiant Light on this earth’s journey.
    He is the Way of all righteous, the ever-abiding Truth, and the Life of love and joy.
    He is the Mighty and Eternal God,
    And I know His name.
    It is JESUS!

     

  • I Give You Thanks

    In the stillness of this morning, I come to give You thanks.  For the air I breathe, and a body that still knows how to receive and use it; legs and feet that take me where I want to go; arms and hands that allow me to do necessary things, and enjoy so many things that without them, I could not; the ability to hear and see and smell and taste and know the pleasure of touch; for shelter and food and clothing.  Thank You for transportation that takes me with ease and efficiency beyond where my feet can.  Thank You for the provisions in my home that make labor lighter and extend my time to do more.  Thank You for my family and friends, for their companionship, encouragement, and love.  Thank You for Your protection that guards me throughout the day in myriad ways.  Thank You for the freedom to worship and pray and gather with fellow believers in Your name.  Thank You for those who pray over me and with me.  Thank You, most of all, for Jesus, who You gave to live in my heart.  Forgive me when I fail to count these blessings before You, O Lord.  For if I counted just my basic blessings alone, those I enjoy every day and with very little thought, there would not be enough time in the day to thank you for the fullness of each one.

  • A Walk By the Sea

    A Walk By the Sea

    I have always loved the sea and some years back, I would imagine myself there as a means of relaxing into sleep.  It helped me to bring closure to lingering anxieties of the day and provided a kind of sanctuary.  There I would surround myself with the sounds of the water and think how the dampness of the sandy shore would feel under my bare feet.  There would be just enough breeze to set my hair in backward sway.  The wind would softly caress all of me as I moved along the shore.  The gentle push of the wind was welcoming and not at all a cause for resistance.  It was blissful.

    I found such pleasure in my walks by the sea, and I would often return, thanking God for this incredible creation of His.  It has always been my favorite part of nature.

    As time went on, I began to see more.  I noticed that I would always look first toward the right, where the waters rippled like diamonds under a golden sun.  The meeting of the waters and the sky could not clearly be distinguished, for the horizon was hidden by the brightness of the sun gathering the sea unto itself.

    Then I would look to my left, to a scene of contrast.  Buildings, old and deteriorating, were there and they were without light and without any sign of use or life around them.  Dead and forbidding was all the scene seemed to be.

    As I continued walking, straight ahead of me I could see a place that was like a busy and lighted city.  I couldn’t yet hear the noise but I knew it was there.  There was some kind of indiscernible activity.

    This seemed to be the extent of my journey:  a look to the right, a look to the left, and a look to the place ahead. I seemed to gain no distance in my walk, ever.  And it always seemed to be at dusk, just before dark was gathered, that I mentally walked beside the sea.  Yet, this being so, how did I account for the brightness of the sun that cast diamonds over the moving waters?  Just what did all this mean?

    Then, during one morning’s quiet time with God, it came to me.  I realized it was about life.  All was symbolic.

    The sea is the part of nature that cleanses and soothes me most.  I find it healing and to place there was chosen for that purpose.  To walk with bared feet was to let myself feel the truth, to know reality.

    The dark and dismal scene on the left was symbolic of all the parts of my life that were filled with regret, those things past and non-productive.  There was no attraction to any of it.  It was there to let me know that it was just as it looked – dead and gone.

    The lighted and heavily populated scene ahead was the world, things that had their certain appeal and temporary fascination.  Because others were there, it drew my curiosity.  I knew that if I continued to look that way, I would be tempted to explore it, but there would be nothing of lasting value.  Rather, there would be ventures of wasted time and most likely the adding of more buildings to that place of darkness on my left.  It was the world and its crooked and beckoning finger, ready to take me in and produce more fruit of human confusion and every kind of mistake.

    That glorious view on the right – the scene where waters and heavens met — that was the abode of the Lord.  And there I could see Jesus, laughing in joy, and asking me to come.  He walked on the waters toward me with arms outstretched.  All in that direction was beautiful and good and full of hope and love.  And it was always bright there because no darkness can ever touch Him.

    The part of covering no distance seemed to say I was at a decision point, though I don’t remember that being the case.  I remember my walk by the sea as a time of reflection, of reminding myself as I drifted off to sleep, there is only one direction to ever choose, only one place where there is ever true life.   Focus on the past and all that was no longer?  No.  Focus on the world and its vain glories?  No.  Focus on the Lord and all that He desires for me?  Oh, yes!  Father, I will walk on the water (in faith) with my Lord, trusting Him through every stormy sea.  For He alone is able to see me safely on this life’s journey.  His is the voice that is strong and right and rings with a melody of eternal gladness.

    Father, thank You for Your creation of the sea.  You gave us so much to enjoy in our time here on earth.  The beauty of Your nature is an incredible blessing. And Father, I ask that You cause me to always remember my walk by the sea and how clear you made everything about life.  There is only one place of focus for a follower of Christ.  He alone is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.  I thank you for Jesus, Your perfect Gift for all who would receive Him.   Amen.

  • The Lord Sustains Me

    In the quietness of morning, I come to You. In preparation for the day, I meditate and feed on Your word. I come expecting to be restored and You grant it. I come trusting for guidance, and You provide. Your word is like water on a dry ground. It is like a dear friend’s smile, a parent’s hug, a light in the darkness. Today I will look for those words of scripture that minister to me personally — for encouragement, reassurance, and peace. Others can love us, befriend us, stand by us, but only Your word can sustain us. For Your word says, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst.” John 6:35

  • In Your Presence

    Father, there is a place inside of me that only You can reach.  A place where created is met by Creator.  And there in Your presence, I know that all is well.  It is only there that I can be sure that You are real and able, gracious and kind, loving and full of mercy.  This place where only You can touch becomes assurance, peace, joy, and healing.  This place embraces me like a warm cloak, fills and satisfies me like the purest of water.  It is here I want to stay and live forever.  And it is here that I know someday I will.  When what is now inside of me – You – will become all the world around me.  That place is heaven, Your grace of glory.  Where the sun ever shines, gladness reigns, and beauty is complete.

  • At the End of Day

    Father, when I become still at the end of this day, and think about how I spent the hours that have passed, will I despair of the little I’ve done that matters?  Will I have taken time to be with You, Lord, resting in who You are, thinking of Your wonder, knowing the sureness of Your power and grace?  When nighttime calls, will I have done things that lift another’s burdens by way of encouragement or deed?   Will I have remembered to use your gracious gifts to me for another?  Will I be able to check off a single thing invested for Your kingdom before I close my eyes and sleep?

    Father, this is my prayer for today:  Give me the tight grip of Your hand on mine.  And if I pull against You, please make your grip stronger.  Speak the right direction for this day, Blessed Father, just as You most desire that I live it out.   Place in my mind the ones You have for me to serve today — and how.   Especially stir my mind with those who need some extra measure of Your love, some indication that they are not forgotten.  Cause me to notice the beauty and delight of your blessings.  Stop me to follow the outline of a cloud, to hear the song of a bird, to discover a new flower budding.   Give me a thankful heart, for all Your hand has generously provided.  And oh, if You would give me grace moments — times when You speak right to my heart, personal words from You to me.  They make my soul dance, Lord!   They cause my faith to grow and erase any weariness I have.  They are my high places with you!  At close of day, I pray to have been faithful to your calling in every way you have purposed and to hear You say, “Well done, well done!  Now let’s talk about tomorrow . . . . ”  Amen.