In my holiday travels I learned about prayer at an airport while refilling my water bottle at one of those automatic dispensers on a wall near the restrooms. Not the most glamorous location. Sometimes I get an insight out of nowhere, and I just know it is God.
Prayer is like waiting in line to refill a water bottle at the airport. Before you know it, you’re standing with your hand reached out, watching your emptiness be filled by a source out of physical sight. You see only the water filling you, slowly, as you wait, hand outstretched.
My water bottle is flimsy from over-use, and it collapses when empty. So do I! If I blow air into the bottle, I can increase the capacity it has for holding water. Oh, Holy Spirit, breathe in me, that I may hold more of the Living Water!
Sometimes I think I have to work at prayer. But all I have to do is stand still with my hands outstretched, waiting. And God always fills me.
I drink deeply and find restoration. And every day I need more.
Image (cropped) by Tom Blackburn, Friends of Mason Neck State Park, Virginia State Parks under CC BY 2.0.
Prayer is like waiting in line to refill a water bottle – thought provoking. Thanks Loretta.
I will never look at a water dispenser the same way again. thanks for the new insight.
Loretta, your insights and examples are so very tangible and inspiring. Thank you for sharing your glimpses of God.
You made me smile. I love this illustration of the Holy Spirit filling us as we open up, hold out our hands, and assure we’re open. Thanks.
Love this thought:
Sometimes I think I have to work at prayer. But all I have to do is stand still with my hands outstretched, waiting. And God always fills me.
I need to remember this when I feel like I’m trying so hard and not getting what I need, just stand still and reach out. Thank you!
How inspirational-a good way of “Seeing God in ALL things.”
Yes, it’s like the Ignatian thought: find God in everything. Light but profound. Thank you. Iole
Lovely. Enjoyed this very much.