Corey’s Cross.....

1/31/11 .....

is a red leaf pottery cross. It was a Christmas gift from my dear friend and prayer bud of many years, Wynellen. It has just become Corey’s cross these last few weeks, as it has served as my reminder to consistently pray for him. Lately, Corey, my precious son-in-law, has had a lot on his plate. Plus, he’s married to spontaneous, outgoing, fun-loving, lady of a 1000 projects, “my” Molly and is father of Owen, an energetic and extremely verbal 3-yr. old.

The cross rests on the desk by my prayer chair---though it has been known to move around, I try to keep it very visible. Sometimes I carry it with me as I walk around because it nestles right in my hand and even has a smoothed out place for my thumb.

Mostly I’ve been praying Philemon verses 4-7, that he might be refreshed in the Lord as his life has so often refreshed others. I don’t want him drained dry by always giving out and not taking time for refreshment himself. Following James 1:5 I’ve also inserted his name in the verse as I pray it---“that he (Corey) might seek wisdom from the Lord in all things.”

Corey’s cross reminds me to pray but…..sometimes I need reminders to keep me from drifting off even during those prayer times. Does your mind ever do that when praying?

At last week’s Spiritual Life Conference, Dr. Crawford Loritts emphasized that God’s people have “drifting” in their spiritual DNA. We "drift" from our purpose or goals, or "drift" from our good intentions, or “drift” from our commitments. Our mind can even drift right in the middle of our prayers----at least mine can.

So…..when that happens, I squeeze it a little harder and hold it---it’s like a little “discipline” wake-up call. I begin thanking God for that reminder of praying for Corey upon every remembrance of him (Philemon 4). Is there someone you can thank God for and pray a verse on his/her behalf?