Catch a wave

It doesn't happen as much anymore, but I fall into bus stop syndrome (BSS) with prayer at times. BSS is where you begin to pray---and expect the answer to show up when you expect it.

I'd make my coffee, read my scripture, go over my devotions, and then get to prayer. Then, I'd get edgy and open my eyes and look up the road looking for that bus (God) which is supposed to be on time and when I expect it. I'm mean, I'm here...I'm doing prayer...where the heck is everyone?

Well, He's there but He's quite aware of my little BSS heart. Prayer isn't Santa's lap where we clamber up and recite all the things we want because we've been good. Prayer is that better-than-DSL connection that is always available, always ready, and always a good thing....and I find myself not appreciating it fully.

Here's another metaphor. I don't surf, but I know how it works. Surfers paddle out to the waves---looking and hoping and expecting the right one to roll in. I think prayer is like surfing---we have to get out in the water and find the wave we'll surf. After we arrive back at the beach we need to get out there again.

I'll get to prayer and go through the motions. That's wave #1. When I refocus and get back out for the 2nd wave, that's when I start to get going. My prayer is less me, it's more intercessory where I'm praying for something besides a winning lottery number or flatter abs. When I get out to the 3rd wave, I'm in the groove. By then I've dropped all BSS and I'm really getting to direct and honest communication with God.

The rest of the waves are amazing. Bigger than I expected, more full and powerful and found only by getting back out and really getting serious about my prayer surfing.

The danger is my wandering mind. Wave 4 might produce a good blog concept and I'm apt to end it---exit the beach---and head to the computer. I have to fight that. I want to get to the spot where the wind is whistling where my hair was, I'm feeling the force and energy of the waves, and my patience and discipline pays off.

Make sense?