A note to my regular readers: I am taking a little side trip today to introduce a free resource I am working on for my website (shannonmilholland.com). I have noticed through the years that life's major events come with much planning but little prayer. I am writing a 30 day prayer guide to prepare for life's big events through prayer. I invite you to read the introduction and day one entry and would love your feedback. Does this prayer guide strike a chord with you? Does this meet a felt need in your life? Is there something you would change?
Introduction
The dress transforms the bride from ordinary girl to princess. The flowers mark the air with the scent of love. The band spills a melody that sweetens the heart. Every detail is meticulously planned, coordinated and executed. The day of the wedding is upon you.
A disciplined regiment of diet and exercise leads to peak physical condition. Early morning runs build in speed and duration. Your iPod is packed with motivational melodies. You stand at the starting line of your first marathon.
Study sessions flicker long past midnight. Countless example problems are solved. Thousands of facts are digested. You sit pencil in hand to take your professional certification.
A big event never goes unplanned. The graduation gown is ironed. The baby is showered. We even purchase new cleats for our son’s trip to the prestigious baseball tournament. Every bit of the exterior of the event is well thought out. But do we prepare our hearts?
I want to invite you to take a 30 day journey with me to prepare for your next big event not just logistically but spiritually. Together we will pray as we plan. Come and find peace among the plans.
Day One
A Place of Rest
Matthew 11:28-29 Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
Details swirl in your brain interrupting sleep. You make lists at stop lights on the back of envelopes. Ideas come to you at all hours of the day. Your heart and your body are running on empty. Weary one, come and find rest.
Today I Pray for You:
· To unleash your burden. Roll your cares onto the shoulders of the One who’s able to bear the load.
· To find peace as you exchange your worries for His peace.
Today You Pray:
God of Rest, I come to You. I pause here in Your arms. I breathe in serenity. You know there are more things to think about than my brain can hold. I can’t sleep for thinking.
I sit with my burdens in my arms. I offer them to You. Take them from me and give me Your rest. Invade my frazzled brain with Your peace.
Thank you for being my place of rest.
