Paradigm Shift: a broader view of Prayer

This year I've gone through a paradigm shift that's broadened my view and experience of prayer. Prayer has been a part of my life as long as I can remember, but now I find myself taking time to listen more, being intentional about getting "still", inviting the Holy Spirit to come, seeking illumination, and being more creative through visual prayer and blessings. I long to hear God and sense His presence.

Part of it must be this new season of my life that doesn't include a regular daily scheduled job. Sometimes I feel a bit lost in what I should be doing, struggle with purpose and meaning, or get worried about the finances etc. But I keep coming back to:

"Be still and know that I am God.

I will be exalted among the nations.

I will be exalted in the earth."

Psalm 46:10  

I've been the kind of person who writes tasks I've done on my to-do list just so I could cross them off and feel a sense of accomplishment.  I realized much of my self worth was bound to what I did. But that's changing. And it's more peaceful… if I focus my mind on the God who loves me, on Him who came as a little baby, lived to teach us how to live, and died so we might be forgiven and live in the resurrection power of His Holy Spirit.  

images from "turning 50" journal

Valerie Sjodin, copyright 2010