There's a form of prayer where you feel the outcome. You be the outcome. You know the outcome.
Today I was asked to do a solidarity fast for Shane Bauer and Josh Fattal. Shane and Josh along with Shane's fiance Sarah were arrested 2 years ago at the border of Iran while they were hiking in the Kurdistan region of Iraq. Some say they stumbled over the border accidentally, while others believe they were arrested by Iranian officials in Iraqi territory. Either way their imprisonment has been cruel, unnecessary and unfair. Sarah was released on a $500,000 bail after 410 days of solitary confinement. Shane and Josh have not yet been relinquished. (Visit www.freethehikers.org to learn more about Shane and Josh's current situation.)
When I was asked to write this blog post, I knew it would be an intense day of fasting, praying, thinking, internalizing, and writing. I accepted this wholeheartedly and without worry. But when given a task or a deadline, there is usually some form of stress involved. Will people relate to my piece? Will I get it in on time? Is it what they were looking for?
As I pondered these questions, it became very clear to me that at that moment I was completely missing the point. With this realization, some answers came to me about how I am able to be of help on this mission to see Josh and Shane walk free.
I'm not sure what to call the form of prayer I described above. But it makes perfect sense to me. When I pray and hope and wish that rain will finally come, am I not actually focusing on the fact that the sky is currently dry? By continuing to wish with all my might that Josh and Shane are freed, am I not just holding them in captivity in my mind?
So I prayed by doing, seeing and knowing. I touched the sand and examined each grain. I put my feet in the ocean for Shane and saw him standing there next to me. I breathed in the salty air, feeling it charge my body for Josh knowing that he will breathe the same salty air again. I hugged my husband tight for Sarah and Shane in honor of the reunion they will have and the wedding they will dance at. I kept them in my heart today while doing all the things I know they will be doing soon.
I can't think of a better way to pray for Josh and Shane besides knowing with every beat of my heart that their freedom is right around the corner.
BPositive and BTruly Present in your Prayers!
Love always,
B
Becca this post is beautiful...and so are you.
ReplyDeletePraying is just talking to God. He says "come to Me all who are weary and heavy laden and I will give you rest." So let's give him this heavy burden and ask that He move this mountain to allow our friends to come home. He is faithful.
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