By Jacqui – One of God’s Intercessors
I walked into the walnut grove, the trees I often go to when I need to walk and pray alone, and was already into my prayer before I realized that I hadn’t even called the Lord’s name! I had just started praying right where my thoughts were. I had to backtrack a bit and ask God’s forgiveness. It was then that I knew that I needed to just stop talking.
As I continued to walk, I suddenly realized that the sun was shining and a cool breeze was blowing into the trees from the field behind them. I noticed the green of the grass and then, I felt the presence of the Holy Spirit. That’s when the sense of peace came.
I didn’t walk into that grove of trees today feeling at peace. I went in with much on my mind and a strong need to pray about it. I went in burdened with the prayer needs of others and a desire to take those to the Lord as I often do. But, today, the peace came in the quiet and not the outpouring.
Intercessory prayer is a relationship with God that goes far beyond words. It is a connection we seek with the Holy Spirit. In the quiet, I was blessed to walk into his presence. For a while I just walked with the Lord. Then, my dog came into the grove and started to poop!
I love my dog, but I know the enemy will use anyone and anything to stop us from spending time in the presence of God! My dog was told to exit my prayer sanctuary and wait just beyond it for me. You know, to be honest, in all the many, many times I’ve gone there to pray alone with God, my dog has never done that. After cleaning my Sanctuary, the Lord reminded me that I must be aware of those things that would keep me from prayer. Even when those things come from someone or something we love.
God allowed me to continue in my time of prayer. I know I needed to take those requests before him. But, my favorite part of walking in prayer with him today, was when he gave me peace; when I listened for my Lord and just stopped talking.