May 4, 2024

I spent a relaxing hour at Hilltop Reflections this morning. Hilltop is exactly what it sounds like. A unique feature of our retirement community is a plant/vegetable farm, immediately followed by a tall hill with spectacular panoramic views. Residents climbed to the top and looked down upon towering trees. Blue skies welcomed us, and the lush green grasses sprinkled with bright buttercup faces, made spots of yellow amidst the puff balls of dandelions gone to seed.

The purpose of our meeting was to be still in God’s presence. Be still and listen for His voice instead of our own pitiful prattle. Pitiful, because we are at a loss for words in the beautify of His handiwork. We sat in silence.—silence from human noise, but God spoke through nature. With my eyes closed, my ears picked up a bird song from my left where a small grove of trees stood. A rather monotonous monologue, same tune, same pauses, and same notes, over and over again. And again and again. Over and over persistently.

For many years I had been praying the same prayer over and over and over. The same one, patiently persistently, and sometimes petulantly. Occasionally I wondered if I should pray differently. But that never seemed right. So I prayed on, over and over and over–same request. I was reminded of the widow knocking at the neighbor’s door, begging for bread until her request was granted.

The little birdsong spoke to me this morning. Be patiently persistent. So I’m continuing to pray the same prayer, over and over, although I’ve only seen a few crumbs of the whole loaf I am asking for. But hope or faith or something like that, is arising. My prayer is the same, but the notes are lighter, brighter, more hopeful.

If you read the story, “Battling with Bravery” you will understand what I am asking for. You will recognize my persistent prayer and patience.

Do you have a prayer you’ve prayed for a long time?

Have hope; persist patiently.

Blessings, Charlotte