Holy Spirit, help me stand still in the fire and pray…

 
Daniel 3:25-43

What to do when by circumstances or by the consternation of others I am thrust into the fire.  It is difficult with the flames of judgement licking at my integrity and the acrid smoke of deceits and dark directives filling my nostrils and choking all that is good and righteous, to know what to do.  Azariah  whose name means “God has helped”,  demonstrates what you and I can do when it seems that our lives are being consumed by evil: we can stand still, and pray.  Like Azariah, I can stand still, instead of fleeing, fighting, freezing or submitting to the ‘heat’ of the day.  Then I can pray, as Azariah did – by stating the truth of God’s mercy and love for his people, next by recounting the facts of the situation we are in, and finally by summoning a contrite heart and a humble spirit in order to unreservedly follow God’s will and God’s way with all my heart. Azariah, the Jewish young man in exile in Babylon, along with two of his friends was delivered from the fiery furnace alive and well, not even smelling of smoke.  I too can be delivered from the fire as a child of God, and bring glory and honour to my Father’s Name.  When I find myself “thrust into the fire” will I panic, or will I stand still and pray?  Holy Spirit, help me stand still in the fire and pray.
  
Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation.    (Psalm 25:2)
 
Holiness is a life-long process it is not a destination. It takes time and commitment. … There is no spiritual microwave oven. To become a saint you have to jump into the crockpot of life.  
Fr. Albert Hasse, OFM, in Episode #1 of Catching Fire, Becoming Flame
 
See The Examen episode (#3) in the series Catching Fire, Becoming Flame by Fr. Albert Hasse, OFM
For a prayer process that helps us to find God’s power and wisdom.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hf8Rzd6DqLI
 
Soli ad gloriam
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