There are mountains we will traverse in life, places, where one thought becomes seven prayers—a provision and help from the Lord that takes us beyond our own abilities. It’s what I imagine at Pentecost, a single tongue of fire, a flame splitting into many.

When I am weak, then I am strong. -2 Corinthians 12:10

Manzanita, Oregon

These simple words compete for the wonder of first light trembling on the horizon in the east because the power they wield in our lives could be the very difference between darkest night and brightest day.

Acts 2:3-4 where it tells us of the day that we call Pentecost (Shavuot) will long be pondered, but one thing for sure: Yeshua’s (Jesus’) disciples were filled with the Ruach haKodesh, the Holy Breath, and they began to speak…the Scriptures say, “the Spirit gave them utterance”.

If you know the relief of those words then I know you know a pain I would never wish upon you. My spirit aches for you and simultaneously rejoices.

“For a while I could not remember some word I was in need of, and I was bereaved and said: where are you, beloved friend?” -Mary Oliver

Utterance by fire could only hurt, yet it could also only come from One.

For all the pain of it, that is cause for many tears of joy.

This is the One who said of John the Baptizer, “…among those born of women there has arisen no one greater” and of whom John the Baptizer spoke when he said, “I baptize you with water…but he who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.”*

It’s pretty neat to find yourself in the crossfire of love-words. Two people trying to outdo one another with the most-best affections—as though we can! But isn’t it wonderful to try?

“On the mountain of the Lord it will be provided…”

So Abraham called that place The LORD Will Provide (or God-Yirah) And to this day it is said, ‘On the mountain of the LORD it will be provided.’ -Genesis 22:14

These words come from a story of one of the greatest sacrifices in all time, Abraham and his beloved son Isaac on a mountain in the land of Moriah.

Isn’t it strange the things we are sometimes called on to release in this life, our very yearnings, intents, gifts, and visions? We think if only we could be sure that on the other side of that release there was a guarantee…we would dare more greatly. But if that were so, it would no longer be a sacrifice.

And where there is no surrendering there is no surpassing what we know—what we think we control—and that is not living.

“Please, God!” I cried out. “Save my life!” …It is He who makes things right…when I was at the end of my rope, He saved me. I said to myself, “Relax and rest. God has showered you with blessings. Soul, you’ve been rescued from death; Eye, you’ve been rescued from tears; And you, Foot, were kept from stumbling.” I’m striding in the presence of God, alive in the land of the living! (Psalm 116)

 

The book of Proverbs tells of a Lady called the Tree of Life:

You’re blessed when you meet Lady Wisdom,
when you make friends with Madame Insight.
She’s worth far more than money in the bank;
her friendship is better than a big salary.
Her value exceeds all the trappings of wealth;
nothing you could wish for holds a candle to her.
With one hand she gives long life,
with the other she confers recognition.
Her manner is beautiful,
her life wonderfully complete.
She’s the very Tree of Life to those who embrace her.
Hold her tight—and be blessed!
~ Proverbs 3:13-19 (MSG)

May we walk closely with this Lady. I am holding tight to the way of surrender with you today, which is to say I am asking Jesus to teach me one more time how to hold loosely, how to rest. I am remembering how with Wisdom Adonai formed earth and established the heavens, how by Creator’s knowledge the deeps broke open and the clouds drop down the dew (Proverbs 3:20), and this is beautiful to me.

My spirit aches and simultaneously rejoices
One thought becomes seven prayers

It is utterance by fire

Yet here I am in the crossfire
of love-words

Though I thought I was struck
I am on the mountain of the Lord

Here is where Lady Wisdom grows
Where God-Yireh sees

May you find yourself in the joy of Abraham, who did not refuse to give God-Yireh (the God Who Sees) his dear dear son and so heard these love-words, “Oh, how I’ll bless you! And I’ll make sure that your children flourish—like stars in the sky! like sand on the beaches! And your descendants will defeat their enemies. All nations on Earth will find themselves blessed through your descendants because you obeyed me.”

My son Eliezer, whose name means, “God is my help”.

“Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray…” (James 5:13a) and may one prayer become seven thoughts of wisdom and insight, understanding and knowledge, love, joy, and peace. May one thought become seven prayers.

Love,

Raynna

From mountains or molehills, from Moriah to Mordor, Mt. Doom or Mt. Sinai, the earth is the Lord’s and surely God is with us. I’m glad we’re on pilgrimage together.

Please feel welcomed to share with your fellow travelers. We need each other.

*Matt.3:11, Matt.11:11
All photos copyright Raynna & Selah Myers, 2021