I never learned how to pray perfectly. I’m not even sure there is such a thing. Last year at my women’s retreat I was the Lay Director. I thought I should be more holy in this position. My prayers have always been a conversation. Recently, I’ve been enjoying the company of the Holy Spirit. Our conversations include my long list of gratitude for blessings gracing my life. Because I have a personal relationship with God, I ask questions like, “When it stormed rain last week, I wondered if that was you crying.” I feel like I should be a good friend and check on God’s emotions.
The Holy Spirit has been a great friend and mentor to me. It started unexpectedly. I didn’t plan to have coffee with the Holy Spirit. He just invited Himself. Who am I to deny Him? I sipped my coffee and thought, “What in God’s name are we going to talk about?” As if He could read my mind, I heard, “Anne, you just have to listen.” Well, that was a huge relief! The only problem is that my mind revs like a washing machine on a high-speed spin cycle.
I heard, “I can feel your heart racing. Take a breath. A deep breath.”
Ever obedient, I did. “I’m sorry, but I’m nervous about this coffee visit. Why did you choose me to visit?” In the next breath, I asked, “Am I dying? Tell me the truth.”
He chuckled. “I’ve heard your conversations with God lately. You ask for help and direction. I’m here to help and direct you,” he said. I scratched my head wondering which prayer he’d heard. There are so many. When in doubt, I pray.
“Anne, let me ask you, “What would help you the most?”
I proceeded, “I am the Lay Director of our Spring Retreat at church. You know the one. We rely on You to direct us. I have the honor of being the big kahuna, so to speak. I’ll be directing and speaking in front of sixty women who come to spend time with the Lord to renew their spirits. I wanted to give them something special; Something they’ll remember. I want them to feel Your presence deeply.
“This is why I’m here with you. I’d like to dedicate a song to each woman. I want the love of the Lord to soak into them. So, here’s what you should do. I’m dedicating a special song to each of them. Speak slowly and say, ‘Listen to the words of this song. This is who you are to Me. Know that I rejoice in your light. You are my sunshine. You are My Girl.’”
I had to ask, “Holy Spirit, is this something you normally do? I never knew you dedicated songs.” He chuckled.
I explained I’d have to run this dedication idea past our leader before going ahead with the instructions. Next meeting, I told Judy about my coffee with the Holy Spirit. Her eyes were wide. When I mentioned the plan, her response was, “This has never happened in seventy years! But if the Holy Spirit directed you to do this, you must do it.” I think she may have been worried about my mental state, honestly.
The closer the day of the retreat came, the more nervous I felt. Would these women think I’d lost my mind? I struggled with my fear. Who was I to bring this message to them? To make matters worse, the sound system fought me, refusing to cooperate. Maybe this was a sign to ignore the song request. Fear got the best of me until I heard, “I’m here to help and direct you.”
I’d been asked to deliver a very special gift from the Holy Spirit. How dare I give up so easily!
The ladies filed in after lunch and got settled in their seats. I suggested we all take a deep breath. I calmly began, “I have a special request from the Holy Spirit. He asked that I dedicate this song to you. Close your eyes and listen to the words. This is how much joy you bring to the Holy spirit.
I tapped the microphone and let the music fill the room.
I’ve got sunshine on a cloud day
When it’s cold outside, I’ve got the month of May
I guess you say, what can make me feel this way?
My Girl, My Girl, My Girl
The ladies rocked arm in arm wearing big smiles. I stretched my arms wide as they sang along. I had tears in my eyes. I think the Holy Spirit smiled. I heard a few singing the lyrics again as they headed to dinner.
I invited the Holy Spirit to join me for more coffee moments. I promised to serenade Him with How Great Thou Art, unless He prefers Motown.
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