Counseling
October 2011
by Donna Ridge

This summer God was speaking to me about prayer. Not just about praying to receive something in prayer, but also to listen to that still small voice that we sometimes miss in our hectic lives and busy schedules.

As I was studying prayer, it became clear to me that yes there are different types of prayer, however all prayer is heartfelt and God hears it all. We strive to improve our prayer life. We strive to have our prayers answered. Stop striving is what I heard and just enjoy His presence. I began to realize that above all we need His presence in our lives.

There was a song that was sung while I was going to Rhema Bible Training Center that I would sing every morning,

Lord i want to know You
In my heart there is a fire
Every morning when i wake up
It’s You that i desire
Just to feel Your heartbeat
Is what i long for, oh, Lord
i want to know You more

I can't remember the songwriter. When I found the words on the internet I was going to correct the capitalization, but thought maybe that it how it is written, small i big God. As Pastor John said in his first message on the Ten Commandments we need to get off the throne and allow God to rule and reign in our lives. As we struggle to live our lives let us draw closer to Him. In His presence is joy. For myself, as a counselor, it is of the utmost importance to hear the heartbeat of God in all situations, not depending so much on my thoughts or training, which are a part of it of course. Believe me this counselor knows how much I need to lean on Him in my personal and well as professional life. Let us all hear His heartbeat as we rest in Him and support each other.

May you feel His presence stronger and stronger each day.