Fiery Worship at Luther Springs in Hawthorne, Florida.
Greetings, fellow Christian travelers!
Today, I want to share a remarkable experience that unfolded during my morning prayer. As a travel enthusiast, a pastor, a travel planner, and a travelpreneur, my journey is not just about exploring God's creation; it's also about exploring the depths of my faith, connecting with God, and witnessing His transformative power in all aspects of life.
Yesterday, I embarked on a prayer journey unlike any other. Set amidst flickering flames and the quiet serenity of my sacred space, I prayed a burning prayer that resonated with the very essence of my being. The act of burning symbolic elements while fervently praying served as a profound reminder of the sacrifices and offerings that have long been a cornerstone of our faith.
In that precious hour, I found myself in a state of profound communion with the divine. The flames danced to the rhythm of my prayers, and with each flicker, I felt a tangible connection to God's presence. The experience was undeniably enjoyable, but it was also undeniably powerful. It was as if I was co-creating with the Creator, participating in a sacred act that resonated with the ancient practice of offering to God.
This act of burning prayer led me to reflect upon the significance of our prayers through sacrifice. Just as the burnt offerings of old were symbolic of our devotion and surrender to God, so too are our modern prayers a reflection of our hearts' desires and a testament to our faith. Through this act, I was reminded of the importance of speaking blessings and affirmations over our sacrifices, trusting that God hears and answers in His perfect timing.
Moreover, as a travel enthusiast, I couldn't help but draw parallels between my burning prayer and the journey we undertake as travelers. Just as I prayed while I burned, I encourage you to pray while you travel. Let every step, every encounter, and every destination be an opportunity for connection, reflection, and intercession. As we traverse new landscapes, let us also traverse the landscape of our hearts, allowing God to burn away anything that hinders our Christian relationship.
During this profound moment of prayer, I offered up heartfelt supplications for all of us, my fellow pilgrims in faith. I beseeched God to consume every obstacle that stands in the way of our journey towards Him. Whether or not we are consciously aware of these obstacles, whether we are ready or not, I prayed that God would purify us and prepare us for a deeper walk as joint heirs of His kingdom.
Year by year, I named the past, acknowledging the pains, losses, heartbreaks, and traumas that have tried to attach themselves to us. I repeated certain years as a reminder that even amidst repeated struggles, God's grace remains abundant. I prayed fervently for the removal of guilt, shame, and any identity crisis that may have taken root within us. With each prayer, I felt a weight lifting, and I knew that God was at work in the depths of my spirit.
I want to encourage each of you to embark on your own burning prayer journey. Let the flames of your faith rise high, illuminating the path to a closer relationship with God. Just as I prayed for a burning away of hindrances, I urge you to seek God's presence in your travels, allowing Him to burn away distractions and draw you nearer to Him.
May this testimony of my burning prayer serve as an inspiration to you all. May it ignite a spark within you to blend your love for travel with the depth of your faith. Let us journey not only across geographical landscapes but across the landscapes of our hearts, where God's transformative fire can bring renewal and restoration.
In the spirit of the journey,
Pastor D Nicole
For persons who want to expand and ignite their prayer life- what are some practices you’ve adopted to assist you? How does one traverse new landscapes in prayer?
Another favorite line from this blog posting….. As we traverse new landscapes, let us also traverse the landscape of our hearts, allowing God to burn away anything that hinders our Christian relationship.
All the best,
Nicole