Popcorn Prayers

“Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is kept safe.”      - Proverbs 29:25

You could look into her eyes and see that she was afraid.  Her lower lip quivered and her hands became moist with sweat.  The lights above cut through the darkness, but did little to help her situation other than to make the shadows look even more black.  She heard the voices of others in the darkness, a soft murmur above the noise of chairs shuffling on the hard wooden floors.  Then she heard her name called and she felt sick to her stomach, feverish and light headed.  Her first few steps into the bright lights, were taken with trepidation and a childlike shyness.  Closing her eyes she tried to calm her nerves and could not help but lift a prayer to the Lord for strength and confidence.  By the time she reached the middle of the stage, she opened her eyes and the music began to play.  Words began to flow from her lips in a manner that could only be compared to the great singers of the past.  By the end of the first stanza, she was belting out the lyrics with unbelievable grace and confidence.  Relaxing and feeling the moment she began dancing around the stage while filling the room with her beautiful song.  At the tender age of seven years old, Jackie Evancho showed incredible potential, and would one day fill every seat in Carnegie Hall.

Each of us face fears in life and must choose to push through these fears with resolve and strength from above.  For the Lord’s promises are true and pure, and in Him we find the confidence to overcome that which is in this world.  When we allow the fears of this life to occupy our thoughts and resulting actions, we are drawn away from the strength of the Lord.  There is peace in knowing that He is in control and there is nothing in this world that can separate you from His love and grace.  My wife has a term called “Popcorn prayers” which are very brief, very specific prayers for a given situation.  I find myself closing my eyes periodically throughout each day and lifting popcorn prayers to God above for clarity, confidence and strength in a particular situation.  It reinforces the knowledge that He is ultimately in control and the outcome will be used for His gain.    

Prayer:

Heavenly Father,
We look to You for wisdom, confidence and strength in our daily walk.  Shine down Your grace upon us, and fill us with Your courage that we might demonstrate Your love to others.  Help us overcome our fears in this world and draw upon Your promise to always be with us.  I trust and rely upon You for my daily walk and ability to stand strong in situations today.  In Your name I pray – Amen
http://www.10minutereader.com
©Sondove Enterprises, 2011