For the few remaining devoted readers of  “culture vs content,” I apologize for being such a bad blogger over the last few months. To say my life has been busy would be an understatement. I am not complaining. It has been fun, at times frustrating and utterly exhausting, and never boring.

The last two and one-half weeks have taken us to the states for speaking engagements. Oh how we have enjoyed catching up with friends here, although the pace has been intense. We were to fly to Jerusalem last Monday, but our flight was cancelled due to the volcanic ash residue left over Iceland. We can’t return until next Tuesday; but honestly, this delay was a sweet and welcome respite. We have been able to take a couple of days of rest and play. I feel much better now and will not dread getting on that plane next week for the next travel installment of our lives. In our plans: Israel, Ethiopia, Hungary, Switzerland, and France… all before we return to Texas the first part of July for an extended time.

The other day I was talking to my brother-in-law about an upcoming international meeting of prayer intercessors in Hong Kong. The theme of the conference is “Zero Agenda.” The prayer warriors are going to meet and worship God with a “zero agenda” attitude and just see where the prayer time will take them… to discern what is on God’s agenda and begin to pray for that.

Maybe it sounds strange to some.

But this struck a deep chord in my heart. Of course, the Bible admonishes us to “pray without ceasing” and to “bring our petitions before God.” This means at times we do have an agenda when we pray. I guess if we never make clear requests we will never know if God is answering our prayers. Petitions are so valid and important.

But the idea of coming before God with “zero agenda” is thrilling and captivating. In fact, when I heard this I starting thinking about how much of life I approach with my own agenda==thinking that I have God’s agenda. I really think that if I release my own determination about life, even daily life, it will become so liberating and exhilarating to hear what is on God’s heart and agenda. Perhaps I will see things or hear things that I have been missing, because life and prayer have been status quo.

So this is my new approach: ZERO AGENDA–committed to hearing only God’s agenda. With this in mind, I am eager to see how it will lead me. Maybe God has been trying to tell me something new or get my attention but I have had my own agenda…

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. ~Jeremiah 29:11