PRAYERS IN THE SAND

The actions of our lives are the grains of sand that shape the beaches of time.

Innumerable

Prayers are as innumerable as the sand. The only thing more innumerable are the thoughts of God. Sometimes when I've prayed at the beach, I've asked God to bring me an answer like the waves that speak upon the shore. Sometimes I write my prayers at the waters edge and ask God to remove something from my life. Prayer was meant to be as unceasing as nature's sand creation.

Surrender

Prayers are like sand in that they have many forces that create and shape them. All grains of sand were once a part of something greater - like a rock or sea creature. All things had a beginning that was lesser than what they would become. Babies are innocent children who grow into larger selfish adults. Most of our initial prayer life is born self pity. We seek God's help in building a break-wall to protest us from the incessant pounding of life's waves. Pressure from flowing water can cause the breakdown of rocks into tiny particles of sand. God removes the rock of self with the flowing waters of His creation. The grains of self are deposited at our feet beckoning us to kneel in surrender.

Persistence

One rainstorm on a mountaintop does not create a beach many miles below. The change of seasons and forces of changing weather produce storms. The power of water can cut through a rock. The power of prayer can cut through to the Rock. The ocean never gives up it's waves, you shouldn't give up on your prayers no matter how  many seasons you wait.

Brokenness

One sea shell broken and battered does not make a beach. All grains of sand are left over memories of broken pieces of something that was once much grander. There was once three wise Kings who brought lavish gifts to a baby. The child grew into a man who was bruised for our selfishness. He was nailed to pieces of wood that were once part of a tree. He died and was put behind a stone. Brokenness caused a greater capacity to love. The beach is a place of brokenness that gives a greater capacity to pray.

Grains of Prayer 

• Waters must flow freely. Prayer must be offered willingly.
• The weight of sand determines it's relationship with water. The weight of prayer is determined by sincerity.
• The only thing more innumerable than sand are the thoughts of God. 
• Sand doesn't choose where its deposited. Pray where you are, life's a beach.
• Sand is shaped by force and pressure. Let go of your will.and let God shape your heart.
• Sand is a part of God's creation. You are more than sand, you are made in the image of God.
• Creatures hide their eggs in the sand. Prayer can be a place to birth new seasons. in your life.
• The beach is a boundary at the waters edge. Let nothing come between you and God.
• The beach is a place of buried treasure. Prayer reveals you as the treasure buried in God's heart.
• The beach is a place to land or launch a boat. All new endeavors need the council of the Holy Spirit before they are launched.
• The beach is a great place to cook fish. It's also a great place to fast and pray.
• Some sand floats some sand sinks. Allow God to determine the answers to prayer.
• Sand is a symbol of abundance. Gods answers are more innumerable than our questions.
• Sand is not what you use as a foundation. God is solid, stand with Him.

Thanks for your time. Go say a prayer for somebody. 

I pray for all who read this

 to know the love of Jesus Christ

 who became broken as a grain of sand

 so that we might live forever in a beach called heaven.

 Jesus loves you and so do we.