I had a two hour dental procedure yesterday. The dentist, who happened to be a Navy Captain, was going to remove a crown, grind down another tooth (to make an anchor), take some moldings, and then make me a temporary bridge. Six weeks from now, I will have a permanent bridge and then no gaps in my teeth due to missing teeth. This morning I'm enjoying the fact that, for the first time in over a decade, I have no gaps in my teeth.
Yet I was definitely not ok with the appointment. I don't like dental work, despite the fact that my mouth has more metal than enamel in it.
I've been reading a book called "Prayer: The Timeless Secret of High-Impact Leaders" by Dave Earley. In that book, he describes C. H. Spurgeon speaking on Prayer. He tells of how Spurgeon could always pray, and felt that prayer was more of a constant communication with God vice a dedicated, head-bowed, experience. One should, therefore, always be in communication with God.
So I decided to use my 2 hours in the dentist's chair to pray to God. In order to combat my anxiety, I started by praying about how God is my provider in that he provided for the procedure I was going through, and provided it for free. I'm really grateful for my healthcare. The Lord has provided for me! So I spent some time in grateful praise.
Then I prayed a little about North Chicago and whatever might come from that, mostly that North Chicago as a people would come to an understanding of Christ.
I moved into praying about myself, asking God to reveal sin in my life. I didn't intend to do that, because I have never really done that before. I went through my day to that point, and realized that I had already had some sin in my life (no, I won't discuss it here). I asked for forgiveness for what I had done, and found forgiveness for that. It was really great, despite the embarrassment of realizing my sin.
God has been good to me as I have embarked on this prayer life. I want to incorporate some of my prayer walks in this new lifestyle of prayer. Yet I had never thought I'd incorporate a dental procedure into my prayer life, so I'm grateful for God showing me how to effectively use my day. Thank you Father!
Yet I was definitely not ok with the appointment. I don't like dental work, despite the fact that my mouth has more metal than enamel in it.
I've been reading a book called "Prayer: The Timeless Secret of High-Impact Leaders" by Dave Earley. In that book, he describes C. H. Spurgeon speaking on Prayer. He tells of how Spurgeon could always pray, and felt that prayer was more of a constant communication with God vice a dedicated, head-bowed, experience. One should, therefore, always be in communication with God.
So I decided to use my 2 hours in the dentist's chair to pray to God. In order to combat my anxiety, I started by praying about how God is my provider in that he provided for the procedure I was going through, and provided it for free. I'm really grateful for my healthcare. The Lord has provided for me! So I spent some time in grateful praise.
Then I prayed a little about North Chicago and whatever might come from that, mostly that North Chicago as a people would come to an understanding of Christ.
I moved into praying about myself, asking God to reveal sin in my life. I didn't intend to do that, because I have never really done that before. I went through my day to that point, and realized that I had already had some sin in my life (no, I won't discuss it here). I asked for forgiveness for what I had done, and found forgiveness for that. It was really great, despite the embarrassment of realizing my sin.
God has been good to me as I have embarked on this prayer life. I want to incorporate some of my prayer walks in this new lifestyle of prayer. Yet I had never thought I'd incorporate a dental procedure into my prayer life, so I'm grateful for God showing me how to effectively use my day. Thank you Father!
2 comments:
When you think of the good old days, think dentistry. P.J. O'Rouke.
This was a good use of your time. I am glad you did it. You are putting me to shame.
How are this year's goals coming?
2012 Goals Update: January
"...and provided it for [sic] free." Not quite. It was provided at no visible cost to you, but it was not provided free. Think Form 1040.
I assure you that I am the last person who is able to put anyone to shame.
The goals are pathetic, but new goals arise out of the ashes of my failed attempts. I do need to give a more detailed update, and plan to if I can get caught up on my seminary work.
Good point on the dentistry payments. It would seem we all pay for it, but in the grand scheme of things, I am grateful for it.
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