My Prayer Chair — A Branch In the Vine

I have a new chair. I call it my prayer chair.

For years I had a comfortable chair in a little corner where I prayed and meditated and read the Word...deep down in the inner sanctum of the house where nobody goes. But I never thought of it as my prayer chair. It was a family heirloom chair, kinda placed there because it was the best spot for it. And of course, I did enjoy it.

But then our daughter Beth moved into a new home. And since it had already been promised to her and since she wanted it and had the perfect corner for it, that green, comfy, heirloom chair, belonging to my mother-in-law (Beth's grandma), went to her perfect spot in the corner of the family room in her new home. I was thrilled for Beth ... and for the chair. It was staying in the family and was being loved!

But what in its place? Of course! The rocking chair that I had rocked my babies in years ago. I love that chair! But somehow it wasn't the same ... not because it wasn't special! It certainly was! But it just didn't work in my little corner. And being wooden, it wasn't working for my aging bones.

But then, I saw her, in all her white, leathery, puffy and comfy glory, there in the back room of my favorite consignment shop in my favorite little town ... my new (to me) prayer chair. I wasn't even looking for her. I was just browsing in that favorite shop in that favorite town. And there she was! At the time, I hadn't even recognized her as my prayer chair. But as the days went by, I couldn't get the chair out of my mind or my heart. God had "given" me my prayer chair!

So yesterday we went to pick up my treasure and place her in her new home. And this morning, with coffee mug in hand, Bible in lap, and journal opened to today, I rested in my "cloud" of a chair and communed with my Lord.

But why all this joy in a chair and in a corner in a remote part of my house? Several reasons, I think.

My little corner means I'm alone ... alone with my Maker. So I can be still and know that He is God and I'm not! But He is my Father, and I'm His beloved daughter. And He loves me.

See how great a love the Father has bestowed on us, that we would be called children of God; and such we are. (1 John 3:1 NASB)

My chair says rest to my soul. So I respond to Jesus' words,

Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light. (Matthew 11:28-30 NLT)

My cloud of a chair reminds me of my helplessness, my neediness for Him!

Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. (1 Peter 5:6-7 ESV)

As I sink down into the softness of my prayer chair, I am assured that He is the Strong One holding me in my weakness.

“My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong. (2 Corinthians 12:9-10 NLT)

What about you, my friend? Do you have a special place, a beloved chair or other piece of furniture? I highly recommend it! Nothing compares with meeting in a quiet spot with your God, sharing your burdens and hearing His thoughts, praying for loved ones and even those who are hard to love. So why not ...

Let Him love you and hold you, dear one, in your quiet place...today and every day! Amen.

PS When I posted a photo of my chair on facebook, some of my friends responded that they wanted a prayer chair too. I would love to hear about your prayer corner or your desire for one. Comment below if you have a few moments. And let's pray for one another.

photos of all my babes in my prayer corner

A Branch in the Vine

A Branch In the Vine