Date: 10-28-14
Text: — James 5:13 — Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise. [NIV84]
The Big Idea: Pray when we are in trouble, and praise when we are filled with cheer.
So when do you pray? When times are tough? Or is it like you’ve got the wind knocked out of you? Sucking for any air to enter your lungs?
Sometimes when we are in trouble, it is like having the wind knocked out of us, and, yet James exhorts us to pray when we are in trouble, and praise when we are filled with cheer. Sounds like to me he’s got the bases covered.
But when it comes to getting the wind knocked out of you and no prayer comes at all, I have found that it is best to have them put their knees to their chest and blow out first. This seems to break the vacuum seal on your lungs and relaxes the diaphragm. Then they are able to inhale more readily. Now others may have found better techniques, but in the spiritual life I haven’t found a better way….
Lifestyle worshipers, first we draw our knees to our chest (literally or figuratively) in a posture of prayer and then “exhale,” confessing any lack of faith or doubts in the Lord’s abilities to deliver us from our ‘trouble’. Then, once I am ‘breathing’ properly, I can sing songs of praise. Have you found this technique helpful when you pray in times of trouble? Your thoughts?
Scriptures to Renew Your Thoughts
— John 17:15 (NIV84)
I sought the LORD, and he answered me; He delivered me from all my fears.Those who look to Him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame. This poor man called, and the LORD heard him; He saved him out of all his troubles. The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him, and He delivers them. —Psalm 34:4-7 (NIV84)
—Psalm 69:13-14 (NIV84)
Lord Jesus Christ, make my Life a prayer to You. Let my mouth praise You when I am filled with cheer and joy, and call to You in my times of trouble. Keep me devoted to prayer. In Your Name, Amen.
Pastor Mike