The Red Prayer Chair — Vol.4 Ch.11

 
In 1993 the Red Prayer Chair replaced the Pink Prayer Chair in my home in Flower Mound, Texas. It is a huge, rich red and gold/tan brocade woven fabric, with a ‘Gone With the Wind’ feel. The chair’s round arms flare wide and it’s a perfect height to lean one’s head back on. An ottoman in the same fabric was available with wheels.  They were bought, with full acknowledgement of their purpose. My pre-teen daughter was there and agreed wholeheartedly, it was perfect, for the purpose.

The purpose? The Pink Prayer Chair had lived its course. This chair moved several times and found its way into its purpose in the moment of my searching for the face of God. I was broken and being remolded. At that time, we lived in Cincinnati, Ohio. I was crying out to God moment by moment. Where had He gone? 

I would tuck children into bed, take my bible, my journal, my pen and sit under the golden light of an old lamp, reading, writing, crying, praying, kneeling often on the floor in front of the pink ottoman that had no wheels. 

Soon I realized I was having what I called ‘dates’ with God. The Pink Prayer Chair moved with us from Cinci to Flower Mound. Children grew larger, my heart began to heal, but my marriage began to show visible cracks and soon I was single with three children and having daily morning and evening dates with God in my Pink Thread-bare Prayer Chair. Several years after getting my education degree, moving three more times and buying our own home, I discovered this Red delightful chair in a discount furniture store. It took all of five minutes to decide to spend the money on it. Spending money was unusual. It was delivered in two days. My daughter had the perfect spot for it. The master bedroom corner beside the glass doors to the back porch held it nicely. 

My children could find me there every morning, and most evenings. Now, they each have a prayer chair in their homes.

Several years later, on one of my lone silent retreats in the Colorado Mountains, an Irish Parish Parson was visiting the same ‘House of Silence’. We would nod during breakfast, lunch and even dinner. Quietly munching on magnificent breads and jams and delectable main courses. Then we would venture our separate ways. At the end of the weeklong silent retreat we were all invited to hear this man speak. In his delightful Irish rich brogue, he spoke of the Celtic Christian Faith and the long traditions of silence, fasting, prayer, and simplicity. He explained the thought and spiritual practice of ‘Thin Places.’

A Thin Place is a designated spot to meet with the LORD. There are references made of Jesus going off and praying in a certain spot.  Jesus also tells his disciples when they are praying to go into their rooms and shut the door. Location clearly mattered.

On the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2) the Holy Spirit first “filled the whole house where they were sitting.’ Then what looked like flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of them. And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages. 
Isn’t that interesting, first the place, then the people. Celtic culture understood that both people and places could be saturated with the Holy Spirit. They called these places, ‘Thin Places’.
Your ‘Thin Place’ may be a particular chair in your home, a bench in the garden. Simply any place that you find a regular time to be with God.  I don’t know what I would do without mine.
Do you have a place of your own? A THIN PLACE to meet the Savior of your Soul, your Healer, Redeemer, Friend? A THIN PLACE to settle in and whisper your fears, your joys and your gratitudes? I encourage you to find one. For some reason, it prepares your heart when you take the first step to join Him there. Anytime of day or night.

Theologian George. A. Buttrick says: —“Prayer is more than a lighted candle. It is the contagion of health. It is the pulse of Life.” 

Adam and Eve walking daily in the Garden of Eden. Moses intimately talked, as a friend, to God. 
You might find it interesting to read about Susanna Wesley, mother of John and Charles Wesley, plus seventeen more siblings, who found her ‘Thin Place’ by throwing her apron over her head. Her children knew she was meeting with the LORD and not to disturb her. If you think you don’t have a ‘Thin Place’, read this by Joni Erickson https://www.joniandfriends.org/susanna-wesley/
Prayer means listening attentively to his voice, as Jesus said, “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them and they follow Me.” — John 10:27
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Designating a ‘Thin Place’ began a new relationship with Jesus and myself. I didn’t know at the time what to call it, but the purpose was still the same. Consider establishing a spot… a ‘Thin Place’. Be blessed this week

Because He is the I AM,
i am
Robyn Rochelle Cox

Biff and I are thankful you are here.

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