If I practiced none of the other coping strategies I wrote about in the “coping” series, I might be okay, but the one thing that saves my sanity, my life, and probably the lives of a few others is prayer. In fact, journaling, creating, shutting it down, listing, sleeping, and spending time with trees, would have little effect if I did not pray.
So I pray. I pray. I pray. I pray.
I’m not talking about begging and bargaining, though I’m pretty sure I’ve attempted some of that this year. Instead, I’m talking about being in communion with God, listening for/to His voice, and doing my best to respond to the madness of 2020 and life in general in ways that honor Him, deepen my trust in Him, and elevate my consciousness.
I am not overstating when I say prayer has kept me sane.
There are few words to describe our collective trauma this year, and I can’t say that I haven’t wondered or asked “why?” from time to time. But God is absolutely sovereign, so I try in all things to yield to His will–no matter how unfair, unreasonable, or impossible circumstances seem to me.
Moving toward prayer during difficult times challenges everything in me. It calls me out of self-centeredness, moves me away from my desires, and pushes me to higher levels of God-consciousness and light. The outcome is beautiful, but the work to get there isn’t pretty.
Moments like the ones 2020 has presented us with are tolerable and livable only when I am in constant contact, when my focus is heavenward and not on this tiny difficult moment. While I may not know the beginning from the end, prayer firms up hope and gives me a glimpse of the beautiful possibilities. For all of us.
Gracias: Thank you for joining me for the seven-part “Coping with the Madness of 2020” series. If you’re interested, you can find a few more tips in two posts I wrote six years ago–different circumstances, but they still work: Getting Through the Crazies, Part I and Getting Through the Crazies, Part II.
And thanks to my friend Charmaine whose yellow iris is featured at the top of this post. I have difficulty shooting irises and expected little from the shots. This one turned out to be one of the favorites among those I shot from her garden. Who knew?
Pics and Posts 
Prayer is so vital to maintaining our relationship with Christ. I know my prayer life is not what it should be but lately I’ve been reading more about prayer and incorporating those lessons into my prayer time. 🙏
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Prayer is our life support. It has helped me too and still is. Grateful we can tap into this. 🙌
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Yes, 100%. Prayer definitely got me through the election cycle, for example. And it helps with the pandemic every day. Thank you for this.
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Hey, girl! Yes. The election. I’m still praying. I know it’s over, but for some, it apparently isn’t. Thanks for dropping in. I need to get caught up on your blog and everybody else’s! This cycle of busy has me near tears!
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This Iris is so pretty. Enjoyed this post so much . Prayer has kept me sane 🙏 this year since I lost both my parents in the last few months. Locking forward to 2021.
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Oh no, Lisa! I’m so sorry for the loss of your parents. Ugh! There are no words. I am praying for you and sending a virtual hug. If you’d like a bit of “comfort mail,” use the contact form and send me your address.
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Thank you
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Amen, Sister!
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Yes, eyes & heart heavenward, not on the moment!
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Amen!
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Prayer and my communion with God has also helped me tide through these trying times. I am so glad that it has given you hope too.
The Iris is gorgeous and I am so glad to see you on #WW. I go live again in a few hours. Hop in.
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Thank you! I hippity hopped in!
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Prayers and hugs. Hugs, and prayers. Sending them your way…
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The power of prayer has no limits & it has a positive influence on our state of mind.
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Amen!
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