WHEN I WAS TOO BUSY TO PRAY

Today, I didn't shout praise to God as I got out of bed.

My heart was heavily burdened down and I didn't bow my head.

I did the normal morning things, then curled up in my chair.

Another place where I knew I'd find God waiting there.

But once again before I could start, the telephone jangled at me,

and the time I wanted to spend with Him, was replaced with disharmony.

Problems resurfaced to catch me off guard stealing my peace away,

and the hours ticked by in rapid succession, all devoid of a moment to pray.

Lunch was over and I felt so bad, my body wearily dragged down.

My usual disposition so sunny and bright, was replaced by perpetual frowns.

I settled myself upon the couch, drawing a blanket against the chill,

and as I drifted to sleep, I murmured a plea, "Lord, peace instill."

Why should God listen to my plea? Why should He bring me peace?

I'd shunned the warmth of His presence all day while discouragement increased.

But somewhere in that sleepy space, where time sometimes stands still,

I heard the whisper of angel's wings ushering in the Lord's council.

I dreamed of each nation's representatives seated around God's throne

as one by one the angels come bearing petitions from God's own.

I see Him read each prayer request, I see Him answer each one.

I see Him give His angels charge to oversee what needs to be done.

I see the elders all humbly bow, I hear the praise they sing.

I see that prayers of praise ascend as their hallelujah's ring.

Then God raises His head and looks far away, eyes roaming o'er earth's land

and I see the ones that were prayed for being touched by Jesus' own hand.

I see the strength they're given, I see them respond to His love.

I see the healings happen as they look to the Father above.

Then I see Jesus approach me, ushered on by the angel band

and in my dream, I start to struggle, trying to sit up or stand.

But He pauses just for a moment with a pleading look in His eye,

and a knot of grief forms within me as I silently watch Him pass by.

My despair is overwhelming and I sob aloud in my sleep,

feeling alone and discarded, like I'm drowning in oceans deep.

I'm suddenly awakened, but the dream has not yet vaporized

and the fear I feel is so very real as each vision replays through my eyes.

He passed me by! He did not stop! I'm so unworthy today.

I am His child but I'd failed to reach Him....because I had failed to pray!

"Oh Lord, I come before You now, a valuable lesson learned.

You can't answer me if I fail to ask, no matter how much my heart yearned.

You are my Father, so loving and kind, and I kept You waiting in vain

while I selfishly wallowed in pity so deep till I witnessed Your deep disdain.

Forgive me Lord for not worshipping You the minute I opened my eyes.

Forgive me for wasting three-fourths of the day and listening to Satan's lies.

You are the Lord and the giver of peace, the breaker of all chains that bind.

You are the One, the Only One, that I should let come into my mind.

Break down the barriers that I have created when I was too busy to pray.

Come in Lord Jesus, back into my life, to fellowship with me today."

I lift up my voice in a symphony of praise, adoring the Lord, King of all.

His forgiveness came down restoring my joy, the moment He first heard my call.

Tomorrow I won't dwell in a dry land, rebellious, discouraged or low,

for the moment my eyes open at the sunrise, to the foot of the cross I shall go.

I'll worship my Lord with joy in my heart disregarding discomforts I feel,

and in fellowship sweet, I will bow at His feet, basking in His love so real.

On angel's wings shall my praises ascend, with thanksgiving for blessings all day.

And the dream will remind me that Satan will bind me...if I ever again fail to pray!

by Dorothea K. Barwick © 3-17-03

Psalm 68:3-6 But let the righteous be glad; let them rejoice before God:

yea, let them exceedingly rejoice. Sing unto God, sing praises to his name:

extol him that rideth upon the heavens by his name JAH, and rejoice before him.

A father of the fatherless, and a judge of the widows, is God in his holy habitation.

God setteth the solitary in families: He bringeth out those which are bound

with chains: but the rebellious dwell in a dry land.

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