This week's quote is:
"To be a Christian without prayer is no more possible than to be alive without breathing"~ Martin Luther ~
"Okay, breathe," I told myself as another contraction tensed my abdominal muscles. Oh how I regretted not being able to take Lamaze classes! But at least I knew the basics - short shallow breaths during the worst of the pain, then deep breathing once the contraction subsided.
In the mid 1970's, proponents of natural childbirth and nursing were adamant they were the only ways to start a child's life. Being a first time mom, I wanted to do things "right." So even without formal Lamaze training, I concentrated on breathing to get through the birthing experience.
It really did work - by concentrating on the breathing process, my attention was diverted away from the pain. I had a tendency to hold my breath, enduring the pain until it passed, But as I practiced breathing through it, I was able to "do" something to take control of the pain, relax my body and occupy my mind until it passed.
Proper breathing became a lifeline, a necessity to managing the painful experiences of life - first childbirth, then later gall bladder attacks and even panic attacks during a time of emotional upheaval in my life.
In the same way, prayer has become a lifeline to help me through the painful or difficult times of life. Rather than just holding my breath and hanging on with a white-knuckled grip until God takes care of the situation, prayer helps me relax and relinquish control.
Prayer becomes an exercise in trust. As my relationship with Him grows deeper through prayer, I am able to trust Him more fully. I know He will take care of things - not just in my head, but at the core of my being. Even though I still have to walk through difficult places, He is my focus, not the situation. I can rest in His peace, knowing He will hold me until the crisis passes.
If you would like to join us on: Tuesday, March 6th
Visit "Sting My Heart" to read her take on the quote and to leave your link along with the other participants.
8 comments:
Bonnie, this line summed it up so well, "Rather than just holding my breath and hanging on with a white-knuckled grip until God takes care of the situation, prayer helps me relax and relinquish control." Great comparison to childbirth--breathing is so important. :)
Enjoyed your post.
Great analogy....I really enjoyed your post and thoughts on this weeks quote.
Thanks for sharing
Blessings
What a perfect analogy. My tendency is to hold my breath waiting for the pain to pass. But breathing makes the pain bearable--just as prayer makes life bearable. Thank you for the reminder.
Thank you so much for sharing that was really encouraging. Brenda
That was very encouraging thank you....Brenda
That was very encouraging thank you....Brenda
"Rather than just holding my breath and hanging on with a white-knuckled grip until God takes care of the situation, prayer helps me relax and relinquish control."
That is so true, Bonnie. Prayer does get me though situations that are painful, make me anxious. I don't know what I would do without them.
Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts on this week's IOW quote.
Blessings to you and yours.
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