I never knew I could kill someone–I mean literally kill a person, until I found myself in a situation that involved the safety of my babies.
One night, around midnight, in a French ski resort, a man slipped into our European rental van while my children slept in the back. Mike had walked across the street to search for our apartment key and map. Car trouble had caused our six hour delay. The rental office had promised to leave the key in the drop box. But it wasn’t there.
As Mike searched across the street, the drunk Frenchman climbed into the driver’s seat and began to shift the running parked van into reverse. I flailed my arms, pounding on him, screaming for him to get out. If I had had a gun in my possession, I’ve no doubt I would have used it to save my kids.
As suddenly as he decided to climb into the van, the man stopped. Looked at me with a crooked grin. Laughed. And left the car.
My heart was beating out of my chest. I would’ve done anything to save my children.
It’s amazing what motherhood does to you.
My experience helps me relate to a woman in the Bible desperate to save her suffering daughter. Read the excerpt from Matthew:
A Canaanite woman from that vicinity came to him, crying out, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on me! My daughter is suffering terribly from demon possession.” Jesus did not answer a word. So his disciples came to him and urged him, “Send her away for she keeps crying out after us.” He answered, “I was sent only for the lost sheep of Israel.” The woman came and knelt before him. “Lord, help me! ” she said. He replied, “It is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to their dogs.” “Yes, Lord,” she said, “but even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master’s table. Then Jesus answered, “Woman you have great faith! Your request is granted.” And her daughter was healed that very hour. (Matthew 15:22-28)
The Canaanite woman would’ve done anything for her daughter too. She cried out to this man named Jesus, a Jewish Rabbi whose reputation preceded Him. He healed everyone who asked.
But she did more that petition. She worshiped Him.
The number one strategy for desperate prayers is to worship Jesus first–really worship.
The NIV translates her actions as “knelt down”. Our two words have been used to translate one Greek word:Proskyneo. This word does mean “to kneel”, but the action holds significance.
Proskyneo means “to kiss, adore. To worship, show respect, fall or prostrate oneself before. The ancient Oriental mode of salutation to one who was considered vastly superior was to fall upon the knees and touch the forehead to the ground , often throwing kisses at the same time to the superior…Used of those who pay reverence and homage to deity, render divine honors, worship, adore…” (Key-Word, NIV 1660).
The desperate mama fell to her knees, her face likely touching the ground as she continued her petition. She would not give up the fight. But she fought on her knees. She petitioned, begged, and cried out while she worshiped Jesus. Her actions said more than any words. Her actions revealed that she knew she was in the Presence of God.
There’s just something about getting on your knees.
[bctt tweet=”Something powerful happens when we worship Him in dire circumstances. ” username=”wordsbyandylee”]
The number two strategy is to pray and worship on your knees.
It’s not magic. But it will change your heart….maybe even give you courage to pray to Jesus as you never have. Fight on your knees. Worship in prayer.
A friend of mine, Edie Melson, has written a book about praying for your children. I’d love to give two copies away–while we are on the topic of prayer and mamas praying for their kids. Edie is the mother of three boys (now grown men) who have been the source of many late night prayer sessions with God. If you’d like a chance to win her book, While My Child is Away leave a comment. I’ll draw the winner Friday morning on my daily broadcast.
Do you pray on your knees? What’s your favorite way to pray?
Digging Deep,
andy
I linked up today with Kelly Balarie and Abby MacDonald on the #RaRA Link-Up Party!
Like so many, I want a deeper prayer life with my Lord. I know that I need to schedule a time with Him and keep that schedule, getting up earlier and spending that first bit of morning time with Him. Spending time in The Word is the most important “appointment” that I could attend. Taking time to talk to Him and then following up with that necessary time to listen for His response is most important. It’s so easy to pray and then just get up and start your day. Thank you for teaching me this…I’m working on it! I want to see the sunrise! :-)
Praying for your Daughter & Son-in-law in Florida…Sending much love to you.
Thank you for your prayers, Diane! i entered you!
Love this blog on prayer. As I have shared before God has had me on a prayer journey and I must say that praying on my knees was one of the first things he asked me to do. I have always prayed in the car and while lying in bed (and still do) but now I also daily pray on my knees. I fall face first in worship of my Lord and my King and there is something just so humbling about this process.
I love getting on my knees every morning too! love your faith, Yami! I entered you.
Andy, what a terrifying circumstance! But I love the way you’re able to use that and so many other things in your life to introduce us to a deeper walk with God. I’m humbled that you’ve chosen to share my book!
Hey Edie! I am so excited to share your book and many are excited to win it! Thanks for stopping by! Blessings my friend. :)
I cannot even imagine having a drunkard come into my car like that, gosh, you must’ve been beside yourself! !
Oh my gosh, Molly! It was the scariest moment EVER! God was good though. I know He protected us. Thanks for stopping by! You are entered. :)
I used to only pray in my knees as we were taught in catholic school, Now I must admit, I pray when I’m laying down before I go to bed but mostly while I’m driving to work. I need to learn how to pray for my children….
Hey Mindy! This book is perfect for you since Lilly just left! If you don’t win, I’ll buy you one! LOL! Much love! Your entered. :)
I can’t think of a more pressing prayer than for that of my (grown) children!
Me too, Christine! You’re entered!
“She did more than petition, she worshipped Him.” My favorite line Andy! As you know this has been hard for me. I don’t know why. I worship Him in ways but not like I need to and I desperately need to. Thank you for mentioning Edies book. I think my mom really needs to read this…to trust God to meet my needs. Thank you for your servants heart!
Laura~
Hi Laura! Yes, girlfriend, keep on worshiping! I’d love for your mom to have this book. :) You’re entered!
Thank you so much for this! Exactly what I needed today, even if a day late! ❤
Hey Barbara! I’m so glad this helped you today. I’m going to trust God’s timing! You’re entered!
I pray in the car alone or walking. I don’t get on my knees much since arthritis makes it difficult to get up! Love you Andy!
Hey my friend, Linda! Thanks for stopping by! I know it is too hard for some to physically get on their knees. God knows that too. Love you too! You’re entered. :)
I’m usually on the go while I’m praying so rarely on my knees. I pray in my vehicle a lot!
Hey Celina! We have a lot of blessed cars! A lot of us pray in them. :) So glad you stopped by. You are entered!
Wow Andy, I would have been terrified in that Van with the drunk guy. Thinking of how badly that situation could have went makes me shudder! When I was a child my Mother would always gather my siblings and I around her in the morning before we left for school and she would pray a Hedge of Protections around us. She would kiss each one of us and send us off into the world. When I had Katie I told my Mom that I wanted to do this with Katie each day. She made me promise I would also give thanks to God at the end of the day when my family was safely home. Have a great day Andy!
Hey Barb! I love the memory of how your mom prayed for you all every morning. You are a blessed girl, and Katie is too. Keep on passing on that faith. Thanks for sharing! You are entered.
I have a “prayer chair” in our bedroom. I read God’s Word, then pray. The “chatter” in my brain quiets down and I am able to spend time with God. It isn’t the only place I pray, but I am able to listen better there.
Hi Valerie! It’s great to have your place in the house–kind of like a war room, but maybe it is a war-chair?! :) Blessings! You are entered.
I took the 30 day challenge of praying on my knees and I’m sad to say I only lasted three days. Why did it feel so strange and abnormal? I enjoy praying and talking to God when I walk. It seems to give me a better connection
Hey Debbie, too funny about the 30 day challenge! Walking and praying is the prayer of choice of many. :) I do it too. You’re entered.
I think I pray best while I’m walking. If I sit I often find I’m more passive in my praying. On feet I’m ready to do battle!
Love that Sandy! I do like praying when I’m walking! Thanks for stopping by! You’re entered.