Category: Prayer

Posted on in Amazing Creations, Faith, Listen, Nature, Prayer, Surrender, Yield

Drumming© Molly Lin Dutina

He began before 6:45 AM
Drumming and drumming
In the distance there was an answering drumming
But the first drumming was insistent
“Not you,” it seemed to say
“How about you?” it called
“How about you?”

The call went out for five minutes
Ten minutes
Nonstop drumming
Not tapping 
Think kettle drum
Occasional distant answer

I decided to try to capture
What I was hearing into words
Relentless love call
Or territorial boundary fencing?

Open the iPad
Set up the document
Typing I began to form the words
Around what I was hearing
And it stopped

Just like that a full stop
Not petering out
Not fading
Not a few measures of rest
Full
End
Stop

Human will never understand 
That avian love call
Drummed fence of feathered ones or
Sonnet of spring

I never saw the maestro
But the love drum beats on
In my heart of hearts

Come to me my Lord
Spirit of God set fire within me
Beat out Your ballad of love
Your boundary of protection
Declaration of Your indwelling

Conquering Christ take me captive
I am Your bride
abide in me
Posted on in Amazing Creations, Book quotes, Faith, Nature, Poetry, Praise, Prayer

Contrasts/Similarities/Delights

The trees I speak about in this post are the orange/yellow on the left with dark black trunk and the pale yellow/green one on the right with sprouts along the trunk. It is so difficult to capture a good rendition of falling leaves from these two trees. I have tried repeatedly over the years. The above photo was taken one year on October 20.

Now I am looking at the same two trees in April. Bob is not certain a post actually went out last week about the two trees, so click here to read it. https://treasures-in-plain-sight.org/2025/04/24/the-maples/ One began with red flowers and now a storm of helicopter seeds. The other seemed to be doing nothing and made me wonder if perhaps it had died over the winter?

Six months apart in these observations. Throughout the summer there is lovely shade from morning into early evening. Then October and November they provide a storm of falling leaves. Now in April/May there is a mighty storm of falling seeds. Helicopters blanket the roofs, the grass, the garden beds, the driveways, the cars. Falling storm of new life if given the right time and place to sprout and grow undisturbed. Prior to the falling of this years’ plenty I have been pulling shoots from my garden formed by seeds dropped last year! How do they do that?

Soon we will have another bumper crop of maples growing where I do not want them. Help me remember to give thanks for all the seasons of the maples. I hear them making their gentle seed music on the back deck. The glory of life God designed. I wonder if there is anything that EATS those seeds? I might consider one for a pet; a well-fed pet at that!

Brother Lawrence was well versed in observing the work of God when he saw a tree in winter and mused ….

That in the winter, seeing a tree stripped of its leaves, and considering that within a little time, the leaves would be renewed, and after that the flowers and fruit appear, he received a high view of the Providence and Power of GOD, which has never since been effaced from his soul. That this view had perfectly set him loose from the world, and kindled in him such a love for GOD, that he could not tell whether it had increased in above forty years that he had lived since.

The winter barren tree, the buds of spring, the flurry of seed, the leaves pushing the seeds off the stems, the mercy of shade for the summertime, the wonder of falling leaves in a myriad of colors. Oh God, You are so good to us!

Watching the Maples © Molly Lin Dutina 4-26-25

Watching the maples
As one developed flowers and one did not
Watching the red one as compared with the rather yellow one

And suddenly the entire congregation 
of deciduous everywhere
burst into green and green and more green

No longer a view between the trunks
no longer a big sky here
tree upon tree is festooned

In early gown of tender greens
The earth of southwest Ohio
Has exploded with life

The dead looking wood of winter dormant
Just a memory now as more and more bird songs sound
Ringtone among the branches

Unseen choristers overloading the sky
Praises of myriads fill the air
continuous chanting towards God on high
Posted on in Aging, Art, Covid 19, Faith, Focus, Illness and Health, Just do it, Listen, Praise, Prayer, Rest, Trust

Do You Feel The Presence of the Holy?

Often we believers wonder if God is really present with us. Our musing is usually caused by not being able to FEEL His presence. This is especially true when we are ill. {I continue to ponder how strong the physical being is at blocking my faith and the truths that I know are always true regardless of how I feel. And I continue to fight to uphold the truth regardless of my feelings.}

Last week the terrible cold that Bob and I have been suffering through finally drove us to test for Covid. We had done every single thing we could imagine to fight this thing off and we were getting no better. No one was more stunned than Bob Dutina when the tests proved positive for Covid. We finally had contracted it. No fever, just a multitude of awful other symptoms. No wonder we could not just shake it off like a bad cold! We discovered we had the virus too late for antiviral medications.

In the Post Easter readings more than once this week I have come across the story from the “Walk to Emmaus” Luke 24: 13-35. Two disciples are walking along the way and talking about the arrest, beating, and crucifixion of Jesus. They are amazed at the stunning news the women brought that they saw the Risen Jesus – alive and walking the earth.

A stranger joined them on their walk and asked what they were talking about. They said he must be the only one coming from Jerusalem who did not know what had happened. They proceeded to fill Him in. It is only much later in the story that they realize they are with Jesus. They did not recognize Him. He was walking with them and listening to them tell His story.

Somehow I picture Jesus not in all white robes, but dressed just like the walking pilgrims.

Since that happened to two disciples who knew all about His life, death and resurrection, do you think perhaps it could happen to you? When have you wondered where is God? Does God not care what is happening to me? Have you been amazed to later find out that God was right there with you all of the time?

We have finally returned to our first church home at the Episcopal church. And this year I missed every single Holy Week Service including the Saturday Vigil and Easter Sunday because either Bob was sick or I was sick. And still, I was able to rejoice in all the Risen Christ has done for us. I could only do that by holding fast to what I have learned about my God. Hold fast the foundation of your faith, regardless of how you are feeling, regardless of what you can or cannot sense.

The writer of the letter to the Hebrews might be called the Hold Fast writer! The New Revised Version sometimes translates it Hold Firm.

Christ, however, was faithful over God’s house as a son, and we are his house if we hold firm the boldness and the pride inspired by hope.  Hebrews 3:6 NRSUE

For we have become partners of Christ, if only we hold our first confidence firm to the end. Hebrews 3:14 NRSVUE

Since, then, we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast to our confession. Hebrews 4:14 NRSVUE

 Let us hold fast to the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who has promised is faithful. Hebrews 10:23 NRSVUE

But test everything; hold fast to what is good 1 Thessalonians 5:21 NRSVUE

Hold fast, hold true, never let go. He is coming again in glory. Until then God is able to keep us in all of our ways.

Posted on in Amazing Creations, Art, Book quotes, Challenge, Collection of Quotes, Faith, Focus, Just do it, Obedience, Prayer, Spiritual discipline, Spiritual growth

Reading, Collecting Prayers

With a study group I am currently re-reading When the Heart Waits by Sue Monk Kidd. She wrote in Chapter 2:

Waiting is the in-between time. It calls us to be in THIS moment, THIS season, without leaning so far into the future that we tear our roots from the present. When we learn to wait, we experience where we are as what is truly substantial and precious in life. We discover, as T. S. Eliot wrote, “a lifetime burning in every moment.”

The quote took me back to the Imagine Museum and my fascination with a piece of art called “The Precipice.”

The lighting is not always conducive to a good photo, but hopefully you get the idea. Sue Monk Kidd cautions us not to ‘lean so far into the future that we tear our roots from the present.’ Are you able to stay in the present moment in this way?

About the same time I copied this prayer from some source.

I pray now with the sixteenth century Spanish contemplative, Teresa of Ávila (1515-1582)*:

Lord, grant that I may always allow myself to be guided by You, 
always follow Your plans, 
and perfectly accomplish Your Holy Will… 
Help me respond to the slightest prompting of Your Grace, 
so that I may be Your trustworthy instrument for Your honour. 
May Your Will be done in time and in eternity 
by me, in me, and through me.

Yes, Father, that is what I desire most of all! Please Lord, grant this I pray.

HELP ME RESPOND TO THE SLIGHTEST PROMPTING OF YOUR GRACE. Yes, and Amen.

Posted on in Challenge, Faith, Family, Just do it, Listen, Obedience, Prayer, Spiritual discipline, Spiritual growth, Thanks, Trust, Worship

Prayer for Others

I have been trying to compile a booklet of my writings to publish regarding prayer. I suddenly realized I did not have enough about intercession – praying for others. You are now my guinea pigs as I put these ideas out there first to you!

The dictionary says intercession is offering petitionary prayer to God on behalf of others. Also, acting as a mediator or standing in the gap before God on behalf of another. How often do you go to God on behalf of others? Is there an awkward feeling when someone asks you to pray for them?

Just like other forms of prayer, intercession takes some practice and should never actually feel comfortable. No one can assume to have the mind of Christ in its entirety. However, there are times when we glimpse the glory and power of our Savior. Intercessory prayer is asking for that intervention and movement of God in a given situation.

We ought never to forget that we have a Lord who is also our High Priest, and that this Priest is able to empathize with our weaknesses.*1  Knowing this High Priest, we can learn to come boldly to the throne of grace to find mercy and grace in time of need. Believing and practicing these verses can teach us to trust that we are heard when we pray and that the Lord cares about the needs of His people.

How to begin? Imagine someone brings a request to you. As an intercessor, you are required to listen closely when someone brings a request. Do not assume you know what they are asking for. After listening, start by clarifying what the person is asking for. It is perfectly fine to state something like “ I think I heard you say….” and then repeat back to the person their request.

Prayer does not change God’s mind, but it changes us. With every request there should be in us a yieldedness of being willing to accept that His ways are higher than our ways and His thoughts are higher than our thoughts.*2  The answer from on high might actually be different than what the person requests. We trust the highest and best God has to offer will come as we open ourselves to invite God into the situation. Stating as part of your prayer “Your Kingdom come; Your will be done” is always appropriate. This shows our willingness to come under the rule and reign of Christ.

One of the best teachers I ever heard on prayer demonstrated to his congregation how to put the method into practice. So here goes my attempt. Judy comes to you asking prayer for Aunt Lucy. Aunt Lucy is slipping mentally and has a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s or Dementia. Judy tells you the family is upset and does not know what to do with her. Take a deep breath and slowly exhale. Wait upon God for direction. Listen for that still small voice perhaps giving you instruction, and then begin to pray, slowly and calmly.

“Father, we come into Your Presence with praise and thanksgiving that You are Who You are and You love us just as we are. We lift Aunt Lucy to You now. You know what the doctors have determined about her current state. We ask that You step into the situation and give Lucy and her family Your peace and comfort. Lucy must be frightened by all of this. Help her to cling to You and to trust You.

“Her family is bewildered by the changes that have come over her. Give them patience and wisdom as they deal with this current state of affairs. Guide and direct the decisions they must make on her behalf. You are the God of all comfort, and we come to You seeking Your highest and best in this situation of change and loss. Help each person adapt with Your grace and mercy to what is going on. Your kingdom come, Your will be done in these situations Lord. We look for You to manifest yourself in these various situations. And as You bring these things to pass, we will be careful to give you all of the glory. We ask all of this in the mighty Name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.”

Sit with the person for a moment and ask if there is anything else on their heart. Often your prayer will stir up something else they forgot to mention that is bothering them. If they share something take it right then to the Lord in prayer. Be certain to assure the person regarding confidentiality. We have a mandate on ourselves to lift others in prayer, but not to gossip about their needs.

I have had people mention that they could never be intercessors assuming they would just worry all the time about what happens to the person after they pray. We must learn that when someone brings a request that the request gets lifted to God and we are to leave it on the altar for the Trinity to deal with. We were never meant to carry the burdens of the world. Listen. Pray. Release. Move on.

If the Holy Spirit brings the situation to your remembrance, again then listen, pray, release. There have been a few times when the Lord wants me to pray and keep on praying. Believe me, if that situation occurs the Holy Spirit will not let me forget the instructions to continue! The Holy Spirit has been called the Hound of Heaven. The persistence of this Mighty One cannot be understated.

Intercession requires trust and faith. Trust that God is truly in charge, and we are not. We are called as intercessors to comfort the people of God.  Hebrews 11:6 say, “And without faith it is impossible to please him. For whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.” We have faith that God exists and God rewards those who seek Him. We do not dictate how God must answer but we hold as true the fact that God will answer .

Pray on!

*1 Hebrews 4:14-15 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. 

*2  Isaiah 55:8-9 “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,”
declares the Lord.  9 “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”

Posted on in Book quotes, Challenge, Faith, Focus, Obedience, Prayer, Spiritual discipline, Surrender, Yield

March 25 Amy

Amy Carmichael quote again.

Proverbs 10:29: The way of the Lord is strength to the upright.

If by the grace of God my heart is set on uprightness, then I may count on the fulfillment of this word. It holds, however one turns it. Is my way beset by temptation? God is faithful, who will not suffer me to be tempted above that I am able to bear, that way of the Lord, therefore, is strength, not weakness or defeat. Do things happen that are shattering to the human in me? “He shall be the stability of thy times.”

5 The Lord is exalted; he dwells on high;
    he filled Zion with justice and righteousness;
6 he will be the stability of your times,
    abundance of salvation, wisdom, and knowledge;
    the fear of the Lord is Zion’s treasure Isa 33:5-6

This verse was given to me a few days ago, and I pass it on with joy. There is then no need for us to be shaken and unstable. Is my way clouded? “The Lord shall be a light unto me,” so that I can go on in strength.
Never once in Scripture do we find weakness expected in the Christian. There is provision for strength: “the way of the Lord is strength.” He who is our Way is Strength, the joy of the Lord is our strength. May God give it to us to hate the “I can’t help it” of the weakling. May He make us strong.
1 Cor. 10:13, Isa. 33:6 Darby, Mic. 7:8, Nehemiah 8:10

I read this while praying for my friends Betty and Kathy. One needs strength and joy as she deals with unrelenting, recurring pain. The other has a serious illness and also a husband who needs much care. Amy wrote, “the way of the Lord is strength.” Oh, Lord, we each need Your strength in so very many ways. Give us that strength always, we pray.

If I am falling into lack of strength I often have to reset my attitude, re-frame my experience in line with God’s way. The way of the Lord is strength. Help me find the best attitude and vision for my walk through You, Christ Jesus. Come, Holy Spirit, I need You now.

Posted on in Challenge, Faith, Illness and Health, Music, Prayer, Rest, Spiritual discipline, Yield

Refuge

This seems to be a week of musical postings! I write them out as they come to me. We are traveling one day this week. Then we are packing for a week away. House sitter coming to stay with Lucky dog.

I have been working really hard with a friend on editing the poetry collection and preparing it to self-publish. I was told it would be hard work, but at times I am surprised HOW hard! The satisfaction though is almost unbelievable. Perhaps it will be ready before Easter!! Then I can apply myself more diligently on a booklet about relationship with God or prayer life.

Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us. Psalm 62:8

My God is One who will listen. I will learn how to express the word list of emotions to my Father.

So I listened to the song below and this prayer formed in my soul.

My heart opens to tell You
trusted Father and Brother
Pain left toe and right elbow
left finger - pinball machine at work
Lifted by cello to Your arms and Presence 

Rest, holy rest
Honey syrup of rest, truth, light
poured into dark of pain

Listening and praying, there was ease and some relief. There are times we just need to come to a stop. And rest there. Pausing in the presence of the Holy. See if that might help you, too.

Posted on in Amazing Creations, Challenge, Faith, Nature, Obedience, Praise, Prayer, Rest, Spiritual discipline

Swans

Many of our local parks now have white swans. As I drive past the park I love glancing over to see what the swans are doing. Last year the pair mated and the park built a barrier shield for their nest. They seem to glide effortlessly over the water, but there is activity under the water level, as this video shows! I love seeing their necks extend underwater, too!

Here is some nature data about swans. “While their floating abilities are impressive, swans are also skilled swimmers. Their large, webbed feet act like paddles, propelling them through the water. A typical mute swan’s swimming speed is around 1.6 miles per hour, but they can achieve bursts of speed by oaring with their webbed feet. And when they wish to really pick up pace, they can even use their outstretched wings to take advantage of the wind which allows them to move across the water more efficiently.

“Swans, along with other water birds like ducks and geese (all members of the order Anseriformes), have developed specialized features that enable them to float. These adaptations exploit two key scientific principles: surface tension and buoyancy. From https://enviroliteracy.org/do-swans-float-in-water/

So what looks like magical floating is truly large paddle feet either directing their course or moving them along. Also, an innate ability for bouyancy to match the surface tension. In the video I also noticed the tail wiggle seems to adjust like a rudder?

What about folks that seem to float along in their spiritual life? Surface tension does not seem to faze them. It might look as if they never struggle with God. Some even go so far as to say that person has a direct line to God! I do not think that is true. Looks can be deceiving. God sees them in their ‘prayer closet’ and when they fight off evil. God knows the secret places of their hearts. All of us struggle when it comes to pursuing God. We only see their outward demeanor and we make judgements based upon that. The New Testament writers stress repeatedly that they are no different than we are. (See Ephesians 3:7-8, Galatians 1:15-16, 2 Corinthians 1:15-16, 2 Timothy 1:9)

So what makes them seem so different than we might see ourselves? I believe it is perhaps their the constant pursuit of Jesus, the hunger and thirst for righteousness. Like the swan, floating, paddling, swimming, diving under, those folks put seeking the Kingdom and His righteousness the number #1 priority in their lives.

But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:33 NRSVUE

Where are you this Lent in your pursuit the Holy One? Perhaps like the opening photo, we could use this time to lean into knowing more about the highest and best that we are individually called to!

For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope. Jeremiah 29:11 NRSVUE

Posted on in Faith, Music, Praise, Prayer, Rest, Spiritual discipline, Spiritual growth, Yield

Such a Great Centering Song

When I was a young spiritual seeker I eventually learned Jesus is the only thing going on forever.

I think this is an ideal Lenten season song. There are times during Lent when I just need to settle down with Christ. This song does that for me. Enjoy!

Posted on in Challenge, Faith, Focus, Illness and Health, Obedience, Prayer, Spiritual discipline, Spiritual growth, Surrender, Trust, Worship, Yield

Quicken

Recently an entry by Amy Carmichael in her book, Edges of His Ways, brought my attention to this word. It is not used much in today’s English. I was feeling worn out and weary by all the medical hoopla. I certainly need the Lord to quicken me as only God can.

The word quicken is used in the King James Version of the Bible, and it means “revive or make alive.” If something is living, it is “quick”; to “quicken” something is to bring it to life or restore it to a former flourishing condition. I seriously needed restoration and the promise in Psalm 51:12 “Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and sustain in me a willing spirit.”

For many years I read 5 Psalms each morning. Because it is so bloomin’ long, I broke up Psalm 119 into 22 selections for days 1-22 of each month. Some Bibles show Hebrew letters at the beginning of each stanza. Those correspond to the Hebrew alphabet, (which I do not read).

It can be depicted this way.

Back to the main topic here! Quicken lead me to do a study of the passages in Psalm 119. Psalm 119 has so many references for this word.

Revive me, give me life, be gracious, enliven me. I imagine most of us if not all of us could use more of this from God. Perhaps the best way to present this to you is simply to list the passages with the references? That way you can read it for yourselves and apply them prayerfully to your life.

Psalm 119:25  KJV reads My soul cleaveth unto the dust: quicken thou me according to thy word. NIV reads My soul clings to the dust, revive me according to your word.

Psalm 119:107 KJV I am afflicted very much: quicken me, O Lord, according unto thy word. NRSVUE I am severely afflicted; give me life, O Lord, according to your word.

Clinging to dust. Severely afflicted. Yep, just done worn out. God can handle this even when we cannot in our own strength.

Psalm 119: 40 KJV Behold, I have longed after thy precepts: quicken me in thy righteousness. NRSVUE See, I have longed for your precepts;  in your righteousness be gracious to me.

As we long for His precepts {divine principles, guidelines, statutes, and instructions that God has set forth for righteous living} … as we long for these guidelines and instructions from God, God is gracious to us through righteousness. We long, God fulfills. Do you truly long for these?

This might sound all too simple, but this is the Word of God. There are promises here. We will be restored as we cling to the Word and walk in the ways God shows us to walk.

Psalm 119:50 KJV This is my comfort in my affliction: for thy word hath quickened me. NRSVUE This is my comfort in my distress, that your promise gives me life.

If you have not chosen an activity for this Lenten season to draw you closer to the Father, perhaps studying these verses might do the trick?

Psalm 119:88 KJV Quicken me after thy loving kindness; so shall I keep the testimony of thy mouth NRSVUE  In your steadfast love spare my life, so that I may keep the decrees of your mouth.

Psalm 119:93 I will never forget thy precepts: for with them thou hast quickened me. NRSVUE I will never forget your precepts, for by them you have given me life.

Psalm 119:37 KJV Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity; and quicken thou me in thy way. NRSVUE Turn my eyes from looking at vanities; be gracious to me {give me life} according to your word.

Psalm 119: 149 KJV Hear my voice according unto thy loving kindness: O Lord, quicken me according to thy judgment. NRSVUE In your steadfast love hear my voice;  O Lord, in your justice preserve my life.

Psalm: 159 KJV Consider how I love thy precepts: quicken me, O Lord, according to thy loving kindness. NRSVUE Consider how I love your precepts: be gracious to me {give me life} according to your steadfast love.

Psalm 119:156 KJV Great are thy tender mercies, O Lord: quicken me according to thy judgments.NRSVUE Great is your mercy, O Lord; be gracious to me {give me life} according to your justice.

That might seem like a lot of digest. I hope you did not just blow through the verses. I think if you will ponder them you will find them a source for better understanding what the Psalmist knew about God and how you can draw closer for a better understanding for yourself.