I recently heard a comment about the oil spill in the Gulf Coast that caused me to ponder.  It was said, “If we spent as much time in scientific research as we do in prayer we would solve the problem.”

    I was struck by this remark because the individual somehow thinks that prayer and science are equal or maybe he totally dismisses the value of prayer.  That brings us to lesson six in “simple wisdom” which is, “I Am How I Pray.”

    When I pray, I either ask God to help with some problem, or thank God for helping me with … some problem.  To make matters worse I usually bargain with God as to how I will thank God more with – you guessed it – less problems.  

    That is not prayer – not even close.  Prayer has little to do with my words, and everything to do with my relationship with God.  If I exhibit listening, praise, peace, comfort and wisdom, then that becomes the reflections for how my heart is connected to God through my daily walk. (Circuit Rider – May/June/July 2010 UMC)

    This week’s perception, from “The Ascent of a Leader” by Bruce McNicol and Bill Thrall, informs each of us that it is the seeds of the Spirit that is reflected in our prayer lives.

In the book, they tell of a woman who has a dream where she wanders into a shop at the mall and finds Jesus behind a counter.

    Jesus says, ‘You can have anything your heart desires.’

    Astounded but pleased, she asks for peace, joy, happiness, wisdom, and freedom from fear. Then she adds, “Not just for me, but for the whole earth.”

    “Jesus smiles and says, ‘I think you misunderstand me. We don’t sell fruits, only seeds.’

    Remember, God only gives seeds and not fruit.  For the seeds to bear fruits they must be reflected in our prayers and how we live.