I’m resting, Lord, here in Your shadow. Wars wage at my right, and along my left. Famine and failure, torture, even the most strong fear, but I’m safe here, beneath Your wing. I know the paths around me, are tainted with sin, that dangers lurk, at every turn, but I fear not. You, Lord, have sent angels, to guide my path, to set my feet, one in front of the other, straight ahead, not to the right, not to the left. I have placed my feet, in faith, knowing You have set, a safe path, before me. I have listened carefully, for Your call, I have trimmed the wicks, and replenished the oil, for the night watch. For the time when, My Beloved may call. I practice my stitching, in purple and red, as I wait. Keeping my mind flooded, with the constant blessing, my Lord has bestowed, upon me. Delicate, sure, stitches, adorn the robe, my Lord will wear, when the day is come. Each placed with a prayer, each outlining a blessing, each anointed, with the tongues of angels. I wait at Your feet, precious one, as the night passes once again. Catching a glimpse of You, a glancing touch, bringing such peace, strengthening my desire. I wait, with the gifts of my hand, gifts of my heart, gifts of my tongue. I wait, for the day You will call, and draw me to Your chamber, to share in the riches, kept deep inside. The wait seems long, but holds no burden, only the treasure, of promises seen, and promises known, and truths only realized, by lovers. I wait for the day, You will come to my chamber, and raise my hand, to a delicate kiss. There will we dance, for the joy, and the treasure, held in intimate bonds, of true love. Until that day, My Beloved, My Lord, I will wait, and prepare, and rest, that I might not miss, one moment with You. Written 4-22-99
Tag Archives: Prayer
LADY IN WAITING
14 JulCOMPASSION
7 Jul
“But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.” -Mark 10:14
Tonight I saw something that deeply touched my heart. Not a well scripted show or a thought-out story. Tonight I witnessed two very young boys praying, sobbing and interceding for their friend – hands lifted upward toward Heaven. Even after the music ceased they remained, praying – sobbing. When the sanctuary had emptied and the time threatened, they remained. At that moment I believe a pastor was born, an evangelist, perhaps an apostle. Compassion was loosed and the anointing fell. The true tenderness of innocence released a pureness – no show, no pressure, no guilt drove their motives – just compassion – a Spirit lead appointment with Jesus.
How many times have we adults seen the hurting at the altar, but pulled away because of schedules and pre-set agendas. How many times have we been in serious prayer, only to turn it off as a household appliance when the music ceased? How many times did we seem sincerely concerned, as long as certain eyes lingered our way, hoping for a break and release with each prayer.
I stood outside and watched as they left the tabernacle, headed for their camp dorm rooms; bibles familiarly under their arms, pages worn, bookmarks poking out here and there. Arm in arm they headed away, eyes still red, but a prominent glow surrounded them. I thanked God for that touch, for that innocence.
Still, I was ashamed. Ashamed that these young boys had a relationship with My God that I so desired and a compassion for others that I strove for, but had not yet found.
Thank you Jesus for that glimpse into a perfect moment dedicated completely to You. Bless them Lord, for touching Your face unhesitatingly. Lord, help me to meet the challenge.
Written 6-24-2004
A SINGLE MOMENT OF PRAYER
7 JulGiving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; Ephesians 5:20 I look out into a world, of drugs, alcohol and murder. Fear grips my heart, there is no avenue of safety. What to do, Lord? A silent prayer, eyes closed to the dangers at hand. A cool breeze flows, born in the rising of angel’s wings. Sweet music, somewhere distant, ripples closer, from the depths of my soul. Whispering, Sweet Jesus, floating above the circumstance. A strengthening rises, as the Spirit renews it supreme peace. I gaze out again, at what the enemy has wrought. Fear has faded to compassion, terror gave way to love. Only the tears remain, knowing that so many will never understand, the indescribable power of a single moment of prayer. ------- Written 5/16/95 By Linda J. Humes From Moments With The Master
A Prayer For My Children
29 Dec
My Children. You are my breath and depth of life. You help me find joy in darkness and peace in chaos. My day starts with prayers for you, continues with prayers for you, and ends with prayers for you. You are each so different, in your own quirky ways, and yet so alike in your humility and compassion. I could not be prouder. God blessed me and trusted me with your lives, and for that I will be forever thankful.
I pray that in each day you will see and receive Hope in every situation. Hope for today, Hope for tomorrow, Hope for eternity. And in those moments, I pray that you will reach out to help another find Hope in their circumstances, for in giving Hope, your Hope will grow brighter. “Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.” Romans 15:13
I pray that every day you will receive Grace for every situation, and in return, you will give Grace to those who have come short of your expectations. Grace allows people to err and yet be restored once again for any inabilities or lack of judgment in their lives. Grace is our greatest gift from God. For through all of our failures He continues to love us and encourage us, and for that our lives are richer. “By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.” Romans 5:2
I pray that each and every day you will receive Mercy, and in return, you will give Mercy to each and every person, animal and situation you encounter. Mercy is the very compassion that we receive, no matter our circumstances or what brought us to those circumstances. With Mercy we see the soul inside of another that may be hidden deep within a hardened exterior, and forgive the trespass. “Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.” Matthew 5:7
I pray that Joy will infuse your life so fully that it overflows into the paths of everyone you meet, and captures them in the moment, permeating them for their lifetime. I pray that it will overflow your every action, every word, every step and every essence of your being. I pray that the very Joy within you shines so contagiously that it doubles back and reinfects you over and over again. “These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.” John 15:11
I pray that in all things you will receive the gift Patience from others, and in turn, you will give the gift of Patience to those struggling to figure things out in this life. More than others, I pray that you will grant Patience to yourself when you are trying and trying to figure out a life lesson and have failed at it over and over again. Patience can seem quite small at times, but most of the time it stretches every muscle and sinew inside of us, putting us on the edge of frustration and anger. Realize that you are not, and never will be a perfect human being and you have permission to fail, many times, in many areas. As long as you are Patient and continue to try, you will never be a failure. “But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.” James 1:4
I pray that people will always show you Kindness, and you will honor that gift by showing Kindness to others. Kindness is stepping back and recognizing that everyone has difficult days and it can all be turned around by a simple smile, an offered hand, an opened door, or a simple gift. Kindness embraces sympathy and empathy, without requirement of return. Kindness does not have to cost anything more than a moment in time, and we have a lot of those to share. “For his merciful kindness is great toward us: and the truth of the LORD endureth for ever. Praise ye the LORD.” Psalm 117:2
I pray that you will be surrounded by Goodness, and that in that loving atmosphere, you will show and lead others into Goodness in all that they do. Respect follows goodness and paves the way for all good things. Goodness always receives ultimate favor among men, cherish it. “As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.” Galatians 6:10
I pray that your life will be surrounded by people of Faithfulness and that you will find and live in Faithfulness all of your days. No matter what character a man has, if he is not found faithful to his convictions, he has lost all. Remain faithful to your beliefs, to those who surround you, and most importantly, to God. “It is of the LORD’S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22-23
I pray that as you walk through your life you will be treated with Gentleness, and in return you will treat other people, animals and situations with Gentleness. No matter how big, strong, smart or creative you are, Gentleness is a gift that cannot be ignored. Gentleness can turn the heart of the most hostile around in a moment’s time. Gentleness can defuse anger, bring confidence, turn tears to determination, and give another the courage to continue. “To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men.” Titus 3:2-3
I pray that you will recognize the strength inside yourself, and that your strength will give you the confidence to maintain Self-Control. So many things in life can drastically change in one moment of lost Self-Control, things that cannot be recovered, things that cannot be fixed, things that are forever lost. I pray that your courage in exhibiting your Self-Control will give others the strength and inclination to maintain their Self-Control. You will be an example to all around you, whether you recognize it or not, and your choices will help others in making their choices, good or bad. I pray that you will always choose wisely. (Self-Control – The virtue of one who masters his desires and passions, especially his sensual appetites). “And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance (self-control); and to temperance (self-control) patience; and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 2 Peter 1:5-8
I pray that you will always walk in the presence of Peace, Peace that surpasses all understanding. Peace that allows you to stand strong in the challenge of fear, in the heat of angry men, in times of eminent danger, in the absence of understanding and the face of the unknown. May Peace overwhelm you and cover you with a shield so graceful, so dense, so all encompassing, that nothing can penetrate it. It will be your defense in the face of all odds. “Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us, To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.” Luke 1:78-79
Most of all I pray that you will always feel and receive Love. Love is the very center of every person’s being. Love is a feeling that cannot be explained with words. Love is a presence that cannot be shown with actions. Love is something so deep that it can only be experienced. Love can be a feeling between friends, spouses, animals, nature, and the entire environment around you, but it can also be something inside that is very personal between you and God that no one else can share. Love is the very foundation of who you are. Love is your integrity. Love is your humility. Love is your sun and moon and stars. Love is your very breath. Love brings you to tears at the sound of music or the sight of a child. Love turns giants into gentlemen and weaklings into giants. Love makes us go farther that we ever expected we could or would. Love boasts pride and breaks hearts. Love is the greatest gift to mankind by our most wonderful God. I pray that you will never try to harness your Love. I pray that you will always let Love guide you and set your path, for by Love, your path will always be straight. I pray that your Love will be strong. I pray that your Love will be deep. I pray that you will always remember the source of your Love and will praise God for that precious gift. “Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and Love—and the greatest of these is Love.” 1 Corinthians 13:13 “And we have known and believed the Love that God hath to us. God is Love; and he that dwelleth in Love dwelleth in God, and God in him.” 1 John 4:16
This is my prayer for you. I thank God every day for giving me the honor of being your mother. I speak these words over you, and through you, with deep conviction, knowing that the God who created this universe hears every word and answers my prayers with His most gracious wisdom. Never forget who you are or the difference you were called into this world to make. God Bless You.
12-29-2016
Faces of Hopelessness
11 Jul
For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith. Galatians 5:5 (KJV)
At Christmas our ministry sends Christmas cards to the 100+ active inmates and the many released inmates and families. Arizona Department of Corrections moves inmates frequently between yards and has recently made the decision not to forward mail to inmates that have been moved to different yards. Thankfully, ADOC provides an inmate database for friends and families to monitor their loved ones.
When I receive the cards back I pull out my spreadsheet and mark moves and releases. Making these changes started out to be fairly mechanical, but it didn’t finish that way. Not at all.
Each time I pulled up an inmate’s page a photo displayed haunting photos. Picture after picture displayed; angry and aggressive pictures, pictures of men with eyes swollen shut, stitches, lips split; and pictures of men who eyes said:
“How did I get here?”
“What do I do?”
“I’m scared.”
“Help me!”
They were the faces of hopelessness. Faces wondering if anyone cared, if anyone saw, if anyone heard.
I have always prayed over every card and letter sent to these inmates, praying that Jesus would hold them, draw them close, give them peace. Jesus, the only answer in a place of fear and hopelessness, the only peace when there is confusion and insanity all around.
Every inmate was sent a Bible, and if they wanted, several study books to learn more about Jesus. Several of the inmates started “God Squads” in their pods to encourage, learn and find hope. A little light in the darkness. A little hope to displace the hopelessness.
Lord, let me always speak Your words when writing to your children, that they will always see and hear You in the worse of circumstances. Amen.
By Linda J. Humes
Written 12/29/2009
**The Road To Emmaus”
My Brother, My Friend
17 Nov
“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down
his life for his friends.” John 15:13 KJV
I have three small finches. All three are of a different variety. They have nothing in common, except a bright white cage and the normal amenities. Bandit has a red mask across his eyes, Speckle is dark brown with a tan chest and brown speckles, Tangerine has a bright orange beak and legs. They were put together over different times and took turns getting used to each other.
On a normal day they disagree and sit as far apart as they can, tolerating the sharing of their space. But, sometimes the abnormal happens. On occasion Speckle will lay on the bottom of the cage and shudder. He’s unable to move one leg. He will fly if startled, but must lean against something to stay upright. He does this by gripping and balancing with one leg while pushing against a tray, bar or basket.
This will go on for days and, as unusual as it seems, it is not the truly amazing part. What is truly amazing is that when he’s on the bottom of the cage, shaking and shuddering, one of the others will sit against him, crying out, while the other flies around the cage, screaming and shrieking. At night, when I check on them, all three will be on the branch, one on either side of the ailing bird, propping him in place so that he can sleep in comfort and safety.
They are so protective and caring of the hurting friend that they take risks that they would not generally take. Several times I have reached into the cage to stroke Speckle, to pray for him, to hold him. The other two would sit right with him until I was close enough to touch him, then they would fly off until I removed my hand. Immediately they would return to their vigil. After a few days Speckle appears normal again and they all go back to “status quo”, fussing with each other and keeping their distance.
So often I see people tolerating each other, but not pull in to the troubled and hurting friend. We call each other brother, we call each other friend, but choose to be busy if we think there is the slightest possibility that our emotions may get caught up in another brother’s pain.
Shame on us, Lord, if we fail to have the love and compassion of a handful of caged finches. If I call you brother, if I call you friend, then I pray for the compassion to sit with you when you hurt, to cry out for help to carry on, and for the strength to hold you up until you are strong enough to stand alone once again – as often as you need me.
In The Gap
13 Nov
“And he stood between the dead and the living;
and the plague was stayed.” Numbers 16:48
—-
I stand in the summer of my life,
weighing and balancing
yesterday and tomorrow.
—-
I have made a choice,
I have taken my stand
on the firm foundation of truth.
—-
Yesterday’s worldly decisions haunt and torment me,
calling out from behind the veil of blood,
that separates me from a deadly past.
—-
The Spirit of God allows me to remember,
Burdening my heart for the souls left behind.
My eyes don’t want to see them,
my ears don’t want to hear them,
for what they are,
I once was.
—-
But the Spirit calls me to them,
to pray.
—-
I fill my censer with sweet incense,
lighting the fragrance from the fire
of the altar of sacrifice.
—-
I step into the land of giants,
the essence of God in my hand,
the words of God in my mouth.
—-
My soul trembles, my heart breaks,
as I look into the empty, hollow eyes
of the children.
—-
Who will help them to choose?
—-
There to the right is the goodness of God.
There is mercy and grace,
peace and rest.
—-
This is the life I have chosen to share.
There at the left are the quick and simple pleasures,
received at a price,
packaged so elegantly, temptingly, deceivingly.
—-
Snares so easily fallen into.
My prayers cry out,
praying the lost away from temptation.
—-
My testimony gives them hope,
I am proof that there is a way out.
The fragrance of intercession
strengthens the fire in the censor.
The wings of angels gently move the aroma
through the crowd.
—-
For a moment they turn and look.
For a moment they taste the sweetness of the manna
that is laid before them.
For a moment the lure of sin is stopped.
For some it will only take that one moment
to recognize and follow the truth.
For some it may take two or three glimpses
to birth their testimony.
—-
Yet, for others, it may take moment after moment after moment
to break the generational curses
that have trapped them on the path of destruction.
—-
There, in the fields of the land of the giants,
I lay down my life,
as a living sacrifice,
daily standing in the gap,
between the living and the dead.
—-
There will I stand again tomorrow,
my censer lit,
my prayers rising up,
as a sweet sacrifice to heaven.
There, in intercession, will I stand,
turning as many eyes as the Spirit can touch,
to the right.
—-
Believing that every seed planted will root and grow.
Believing in the resurrecting power,
from death to life,
that rests in the anointing.
Believing that the eternal plague can be stayed,
by the strength of my faith.
—-
I can not stop my sacred vigil,
for the fear rests in my soul,
that in any moment of disconcert,
I might miss one child
that might have looked.
War Room – The Posture of Prayer
6 Oct
“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.” Philippians 4:6 (KJV)
After the release of the Affirm Film, War Room, many people showed where they had created War Rooms in their closets or offices. That’s wonderful, but many of us don’t have a house big enough for those sorts of areas. My “War Room” or what I call “War Area” is actually at the kitchen table. I also have a chalkboard in my bedroom where I have the names of people listed who have requested prayer. Your War Room could be in your bathroom, bedroom, garage, a park bench, a back yard, in your car, on the bus, on a train, in a plane, it is anyplace that you can get a moment alone with God. The important thing is that you are taking the names of others to God for their needs.
It doesn’t matter if you are on your knees, on your face, on your feet or sitting in a chair – it isn’t about the position of the body that makes the prayers powerful, it is the humble and contrite heart that makes the difference.
It doesn’t matter if you have an hour to pray, 30 minutes to pray, or 5 minutes to pray. It doesn’t matter if your language is elegant, simple or completely silent for lack of knowing what to say. Some folks just cry before God and He knows what is in the heart and what the prayer is all about.
Prayer isn’t saying things in a special or specific way. Prayer is just talking to God, just having a conversation and listening for Him to answer back. People talk about praying at all times. I am one of those people. Prayer doesn’t need a special place or posture, it is being thankful at all times, talking to God at all times, and being aware of your surroundings and the needs that are there. It’s praying for a car broken down on the side of the road, an ambulance going in the opposite direction, a sad person walking along the road, a happy child dancing in a yard. Prayer is just speaking a word of help, or healing, or peace, or thankfulness.
And the most important point to this is – Prayer Works. The only prayers that are not answered are the prayers that are never spoken. Take a moment, look around, say a prayer. It feels amazing!
————-
Do you need prayer? Send an email to shiloh.spiritual@aol.com and I will add you to my prayer board. Have a Blessed Day! Mama Linda
CARPE DEIM
9 Aug“For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.” Matthew 25:35
Over the last “many” years I have spent more time in criminal justice courtrooms than I care to remember. I’ve watched the guards bring in a line of shaking, red-eyed prisoners, shackled at the hands and feet and chained to each other. I’ve watched the families, broken and confused, sitting on the benches, completely helpless.
My Mother’s heart wants to comfort them, assure them that it’s all going to be okay, but talking is forbidden, movement discouraged – and it just might NOT be okay.
I see families trying to catch the eye of their imprisoned loved one, to give them a sign of hope. But signs are posted all over the room that “no interfacing with the prisoner is allowed.” Not verbal communication, not hand signs, nothing – under penalty of arrest. It doesn’t take long to recognize how serious things are.
All the quotes and thoughts I’ve had as a counselor remained in my mind.
“Be instant in season and out of season.”
“A word fitly spoken . . .”
“Go into all the world . . .”
“Carpe Diem.”
In a place where people most needed a word of hope, it was forbidden. Where did it all go wrong?
I’ve been given the honor of ministering to many inmates’ families. Families referred to me by churches, prison chaplains and inmates, wanting to be sure their families are doing okay. I’ve been able to bring words of truth and hope to inmates whose lives changed at a moment of indiscretion. I’ve seen God bloom in situations that seemed completely hopeless.
God, help me always remember that every inmate shackled to a guard is Your child, born for Your kingdom. Help me to remember that even though I may not be able to change a situation, I can always bring a word of encouragement and hope. Help me to remember that the gift of “free will” may forever change the direction of a person’s life, but it does not close the door to Your Kingdom, if a changed life will stand at your door and knock. And always help me to remember that I may be the only “Jesus’ others will ever see – and if I don’t tell them the words of truth, how will they ever know? Carpe Diem.
Written by Linda J. Humes
8/21/2005
**Road to Emmaus**
SWEET SAVOR
6 Apr
“And another angel came and stood at the altar, having a golden censer; and there was given unto him much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne. And the smoke of the incense, which came with the prayers of the saints, ascended up before God out of the angel’s hand.” Revelation 8:3-4 KJV
The sweet, sweet essence of praise,
drifting to Heaven.
A mist of fruitfilled fragrance,
Sweet Savor – pulling – drifting.
Come and taste of the wind,
taste the Glory.
—
Voices lifting in victorious harmony,
Sweet Savor – pulling – drifting.
Drink of the love, flowing in the mist,
sacrificed to you, Lord.
—
Humbly offered in tender words,
Sweet Savor – pulling – drifting.
A resting place for you,
birthed in the hearts of your children.
So simple, yet so sincere,
Sweet Savor – pulling – drifting.
—
Upward – to You.
.
Linda J. Humes 