Coming to God with expectancy

Guest Blog from Patty Kyrlach

Patty Kyrlach

His power at work in us can do far more than we dare ask or imagine. - Ephesians 3:21 CEV

The wedding guests had been in party-hearty mode for a couple of days. When the maitre d' stepped forward to taste the wine, his eyes popped like a cork.  After a reception went on this long, the caterers usually set out the Hawaiian Chablis—the cheap stuff. But this was some sort of pricey cabernet sauvignon.  Surprise! The host had saved the best wine for last.

The New Testament is full of people who got more than they bargained for. A woman went to a well for a drink, but walked away with living water and a new life. A beggar asked for alms and got his sight instead. Peter just wanted to catch some fish but wound up leaving his nets to fish for souls. Saul was on his way to stamp out the Jesus freaks when he had an encounter with Jesus himself, changing his name and his mission statement.

Our expectations get tired, jaded, and grumpy. They were always rather limited anyway. So
as we come to God today, let's come expecting the unexpected - "far more than we dare ask or imagine."

    Come as a little child.
    Come with a smile of eagerness.
    Greet each new day as a special gift of love.
    Even if you're old and gray,
    Though you've come a long, hard way,
    Come ready to sing and play and dance,
    Ready to risk and take a chance.
    For of such is the kingdom.
    For of such is the kingdom.
                   -Avery and Marsh

Lord, we're ready to be surprised. Ready to expand our thinking. Ready to believe that if we ask for a loaf of bread, you won't give us a stone. "Ready to risk and take a chance. For of such is the kingdom. . . ."

In Jesus' name, we pray with expectancy. . .

. . .for all who are battling serious illnesses and all the devoted care-givers 
. . .for those who grieve the loss of dear spouses and other loved ones  
. . .for all who are facing difficult family situations   
. . .for pastors and lay leaders dealing with discord in their churches  
. . .for all who may feel discouraged, stuck, or even hopeless   
. . .for all who feel overwhelmed

Lord, in each situation we look for you to do amazing things. We await your surprise answers.

Patty Kyrlach writes for Cookies & Milk, a children’s page in several SW Ohio newspapers, and also serves as design editor for the page, now in its eighth year of publication. She is Director of Communications for the Writing Academy, a small but personable writer's group that holds an annual retreat in Minneapolis. She writes mythic tales, children’s non-fiction, drama, songs, poetry, curriculum, and lately—her bloomin’ blog: "Stark Raving Mythopath"