I enjoy writing when I have something to share, but its easy not to write.

Just a few weeks ago I committed myself to pray over a short list of petitions. In my history with God such lists keep me focused on the conditions and circumstances of loved ones and linked to my prayer life. Others may not need such lists, but such lists keep me compassionately connected to my loved ones and their needs. My recent list was born from a level of despair in my own spirit.

As I’ve written recently, I’ve prayed for the Lord not to be silent (Psalm 109:1). I added other concerns to this request and made my list. I’ll share two other concerns here. One was if I should register for classes for the Doctor of Ministry program for the spring semester at United Theological Seminary in Dayton. I’m technically on hold this semester, and I’ll need to commit to the spring semester to remain a student. The other request was for a door to open for us in ministry.

There’s a regular event in my life that pleasantly reoccurs every few weeks. I attend the midday liturgy at my friend’s church in Fairfield every other week. It’s a Charismatic Episcopal Church. My friend is the priest there. I met him this past January in Dayton our first semester of the doctoral program. We hit it off immediately. I love him and his wife greatly. It’s the only place I’m receiving communion these days. We share in the liturgy, the elements, listen for the Lord’s voice through words of knowledge, and pray for one another through the laying on of hands and for the concerns of that community.

One afternoon, I received a prophetic word from a woman at Mark’s church. She said there was a verse of scripture that kept coming up in her mind when she looked at me. And my Lord shall supply all your needs according to his riches in glory (Philippians 4:19). She then said all along my path the Lord will meet me and supply what I need. I have nothing to worry about. I believed the Lord spoke to me through Shirley that day.

A few days after that I dreamed. It was vivid and full of color. I was in my home church in the suburbs of Baltimore. This summer I was in the sanctuary for my father’s funeral. In the dream I stood in line with others in front of the chancel rail at the front of the church. Everyone else was to my left (Left is a sign of Holy Spirit in Christian dream interpretation) and wore white or eggshell colored albs/robes. I wore a black alb.

The sanctuary was full of people. It was time for us to sit down. I followed the person to my left to the choir loft. He found a seat, but here was none for me. I stopped and found all around me children sitting on the floor inside the chancel as if it were the time for a children’s sermon. I turned around and carefully stepped through them and walked toward the side of the sanctuary still without a place to sit. When I woke, I believed the Lord spoke to me through the dream.

A day or two later I realized the Lord answered my prayers. First, the Lord was not silent. Second, Shirley’s passionate word to me about God’s faithfulness promised to meet my needs as they arise was a great comfort. I believed it answered my petition concerning my possible return to United. It was up to me. If I did, the Lord would meet my needs, but it was my choice. This led to number three. The dream informed me I still have no where to sit, no where to be in ministry. To this point, there’s no open door for us. I put my education at Dayton on hold because I didn’t have a context of ministry in which to do a research project for my doctoral thesis. The Lord informed me in the dream that was still true. If I have no place, there’s no continuation of the doctoral work. The Lord spoke, and I was good with that.

Eli told us several days ago he dreamed he received a black key. This reminded me of my black alb. Black in dreams symbolizes mystery among other things. The key Eli received is still a mystery to be revealed later. My alb is a mantle or anointing I wear that is still a mystery to be revealed later, as well.

In these years of waiting and doing our best to be attentive to the voice of the Lord and his leading, it hasn’t always been comfortable for us. Peace and joy have not come easily. That being true, these recent experiences have brought comfort to my soul. The Lord spoke, and its my responsibility and joy to share. There are mysteries to be revealed, doors to open and testimonies to share. Our God remains faithful. Alleluia.

May the Lord bless you in your own journey these days.