How Praying for Rain is Changing My Life

As you may know, I am one of thousands of central Texas believers who are praying for rain and revival in our region.

I’ve been praying for God to fill Lake Travis, a large man-made lake just west of Austin, for about three years. The lake’s full elevation is 681. Today, it’s at 629.

Just over a week ago there was a city-wide day of prayer and fasting here in Austin, along with a prayer service. The four day after our prayer service saw huge rains statewide, and the timing of it with our praying caught the attention of media around the country.

Praying and fasting for rain has been really good for me. It’s changing me. I want to share with you what I’m learning. Maybe it can encourage and grow you as well.

First, I’m praying more. Having the big, hairy, audacious request for a full lake and the end to a drought has made me much more desperate in my prayers, especially since we told the world what we were praying for. I find myself talking to God about it–and other things–pretty much all day. That’s a good thing.

Second, fasting has gotten easier. With the stakes being so high, suddenly my desire to eat seems very trivial. I’ve done two fasts since we started this and I’m looking forward to another this week. Again, that’s a good thing.

Third, I’m more spiritually alert. The other day, as I was looking at the sky wondering of rain might be on the horizon, God nudged me to be as alert and expectant when I pray for other things. I need to keep my eyes open for those signs that God is answering my other prayers too.

Fourth, My faith is increasing. God’s immediate answer to our prayers was really encouraging to all of us who prayed and fasted together on May 22nd. And even though it hasn’t rained in Austin in 7 days, Lake Travis’ elevation is up five feet and it continues to rise. I know God is answering these prayers. I can’t see it yet, but I know it. That’s faith.

Finally, I’m more aware of my own spiritual drought. I’ve grown way too used to half-empty lakes here in central Texas. I’ve also grown too accustomed to half of all Christian marriages ending in divorce, my own half-hearted efforts at evangelism,  half-empty offering plates and seats on Sunday, and little to no response at altar calls and for baptism. I’ve gotten to where I think that half-full Christianity is normal.

It’s not, and I’m praying now for the end of our spiritual drought, not just the physical one.

What are you praying for that is so big, it captivates your every waking moment? What are you praying for that brings perspective to the things you’ve settled for in your life?

Tired of half-empty? Start praying for rain. It’s a tangle and specific request, and everyone you tell about it will know if and when God comes through.

 

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