We Pray

By Steve Barg, Christian education committee co-chair

Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left his house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. – Mark 1:35

Jesus often went off to a solitary place to pray. Where do we pray?

I know this may sound strange, but the times I have felt God's presence most strongly have been in hospital chapels. These quiet little sanctuaries, tucked away amidst the barren, sterile hospital hallways, are always open. They become refuges for parents and loved ones of the infirm who are weary and in search of peace. God has met me there, often in the middle of the night when I've needed him most, and he has comforted me.

Aaron, especially in his younger years, provided ample opportunities for such visits with God. While I don't miss Aaron's frequent hospital stays, I do miss that solitary place away from home where I can spend time, undisturbed, with my Lord and Savior.

I think that is what attracted me to help in creating the new prayer room. In my constantly interrupted life of telephone rings, urgent emails, and the ever-present needs of my family, my prayer life seems relegated to little sound bites. I pray while I'm driving, or sitting in front of an emailed prayer request, or while drifting off to sleep. The changes of experiencing a deep, meaningful connection with God are slim to none. So the idea of creating an intentional space just for prayer is very attractive to me.

I took a day off from work to start prepping for the prayer room. I spent a good part of the day getting new carpet for the room, only to roll it out and find that it was cut two feet too short. Just then Pastor Dwight stepped in. Upon my frustrated explanation he said, "Steve, didn't you expect that there would be a lot of roadblocks and barriers to creating this prayer room? Think about what we are trying to do here, create a space where people can experience the presence of the Lord. Who might want to stop that from happening?"

Even before the prayer room was quite finished, I found myself spending time there. I look forward to it and I'm starting to feel something that I have longed for – a more meaningful connection to God and to our church family. It is surprising how a designated hospital room or a trailer unit can become a sacred place. But maybe it shouldn't be a surprise. To seek his Father's presence Christ went off to a solitary place; he left his house while it was still dark and went into the wilderness!

We pray. Lord, create in us an unquenchable desire to be in your presence, to talk with you and listen to you, to seek your direction and submit to your will. Help us, Lord, to set aside time to dwell in your house. Amen.

Thanks to all who helped to create the Prayer Room. The design and construction group has been Julie Clausen, Steve Barg, Beth Clausen, Heather Spaulding, Tyler Holm and Karl Nelson. Chris and Twyla Becker and Brian and Maria Zahasky have also given vision and ideas. The project is ongoing as the room will continually change in appearance.

Thanks to Harold, Bill and Chris Anderson and family for designating the Elsie Anderson Memorial Fund to the Prayer Room. Elsie prayed a great deal throughout her life and was very intentional in her praying. She is an inspiration to us in the use of this room.