I won’t let You go

August 27, 2010 by Leave a Comment

August 25, 2010

I’ve been thinking and praying(!)…that prayer Pastor Derek pointed out to us last Wednesday. I know I am not the only one who has prayed, “Lord, Save me!” this week. There is another prayer that I has had new meaning for me over the years. It’s found in Genesis 32. This episode of Jacob’s life has always pulled me in. You can read the whole chapter, or at least verses 24 to 27. We focused on these verses tonight.

You see it? Jacob pleaded and declared: “I won’t let you until you bless me.” He asked God to bless him. Look up verse 3 of chapter 32: Jacob had a lot! He was so blessed with many things. I think that he was tired of “blessing” himself. It must have left him empty. He submitted to God and wanted God to bless him for a change (literally). God did by giving him a new name. A name that would remind everyone that” God rules”!

Surrendering to God means that we are allowing Him to rule. It’s accepting that God leads our existence and helps us find our way.

I had read the story behind one of the hymns we sometimes sing at the House of Prayer. I went to wikipedia to confirm it:)
George Beverly Shea was a renowned singing evangelist best known to have been-years ago- a member of Billy Graham’s ministry team. The words of “I’d rather have Jesus” were written by Rhea Miller. His mother was concerned about Mr. Shea’s direction toward distracting fame and fortune. She handwrote the poem and left the copy on the piano where she knew Mr. Shea would find it. Of course, he did and he was touched by its message. He put the words into music. Soon after that, he changed the direction of his life and decicated his life and talent to God. Here is the last stanza:

He’s fairer than lilies of rarest bloom;
He’s sweeter than honey from out of the comb;
He’s all that my hungering spirit needs,
I’d rather have Jesus and let Him lead.

When we choose to ask God to bless us, we are asking Him to take the lead. We don’t come to God because we are changed. We simply come forward because of our hungering for more, and leave the miracle up to Him. God rules.

-Pastor Sabine

Filed Under: Bodil and Derek Morris, Dr. Sabine Vatel, george beverly shea, i'd rather have jesus, nbc, prayer billy graham

The Most Important Prayer You’ll Ever Pray

August 24, 2010 by Leave a Comment

August 18, 2010

The most important prayer you’ll pray? Dr. Morris suggests you’ll find it in Matthew 14:29.

“Lord, Save me!”

Sometimes, it is all one has the strenght to say. And if words don’t come, just looking up counts, too. We have been experiencing what it means to support one another through prayer and learning how to hold on to God’s promises by faith. Still wondering how to pray and what to pray for? The Bible offers assurance that we have access to divine guidance in that area, too (Romans 8:26-27)

As he was leaving the House of Prayer, Pastor John who was visiting from South Africa expressed his gladness for having been there. It is truly a “House of Praye for ALL people”.

Next week…3 Important things for living prayer.

See you next Wednesday! For now, here are a few more highlights from this evening:

This quilt presented by the Prayer&Square to Keela as a big thank you for her work on behalf of wounded veterans. Keela is athletic and strong. She is a fitness trainer and had wondered how she could use her abilities to glorify God’s Name. She had decided to walk miles accross the USA and raise money on behalf of those who sacrificed for the country’s freedoms. She has done this twice. She has taken prayer military quilts to patients at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center in DC. The team of quilters decided to create one just for Keela as a “thank you” and for her encouragement-she had gone through a tough time recently. Keela was so surprised and very grateful for everyone’s support this evening!


When Doug asked for prayers on behalf of his Mom, a lot of people in the congregation could relate. He and his wife are planning to travel at her bedside with a prayer quilt. Lois unexpectedly shared her experience with praying about her own physical health almost five years ago. Her lungs are stronger than ever and “I guess God has more work for me to do,” she says. She continues to be an important part of the ministry team at the church lending administrative skills and wisdom, and tonight, a confident message that a loving God can and will make us whole.

Praying for our joy…and hope for the journey
-Pastor Sabine

Filed Under: Dr. Derek Morris, Dr. Sabine Vatel, matthew 14:29, praying, the most important prayer