Many of us are in a season of life where we are looking at the things we have kept on our shelves and finding no reason to keep them. What we at one time valued seems to have lost significance. While this may be true of much memorabilia, there may be another shelf that warrants our attention.

I have been gifted with some “wise beyond their years” friends who are known as “twenty somethings” or roughly the age of our grandchildren. One of them wrote the following words to me yesterday in the context of my leading the prayer ministry at our church.

“God does not take light your experience. God has given His Word, from which we learn of him (Bible) and He has also given us the Holy Spirit, and we seek His direction and guidance, He leads us.

You also have such rich experiences in prayer, many of which may have been put on a shelf – “out of sight, out of mind” none the less, they are very valid and can be drawn upon even as you lead and as the ministry progresses… God has already given you the tools needed to lead the prayer and other ministries. He has also given Himself. He is your sure foundation, and he will allow you to lead upon His foundation. I do believe He will amaze you.”

As I reflect on these words from my young friend, I have been prompted to take another look at my shelves. I am remembering times when I have encountered God in prayer.

These memories strengthen my faith today and I will be watching for how He will give me opportunity to apply them both in the formal ministry of our church and in the circles of people he allows me to encounter in my daily walk.

What do you have on your shelves? Are there treasures there, rich experiences of prayer, that are “out of sight, out of mind” for you.

I would love for you to share some of them by commenting on this blog.

Let’s not leave our treasures on our shelves.