from furrowed-brow to happy face

In our many travels throughout the earth, we have found there to be certain truths that make the world go round. In each of the diverse communites that we have visited it is inescapable to encounter cultural and social norms. The prayer room at IHOP-KC is no different. If you’ve been to IHOP, you know what we’re talking about: pacing, seat-saving and the furrowed brow of an engaged intercessor (i.e. frowning).

Now, as any outsiders coming into an establishment we are more than happy to assimilate to the current culture. However, as forerunners we began to muse…perhaps norms were meant to be questioned. The specific norm under evaluation at this time is none other then the very un-Christ-like frowning intercessor.

You heard it folks…we have a severe problem with the lack of smilage that is taking place in this house of prayer. Allow us share our theory on the smile-shortage that has overrun our beloved prayer room.

Once a long time ago, a sincere and heart-felt intercessor was deeply engaged in entering into the heart of God while in the prayer room. Whether he was rocking in his chair or pacing down the aisle, we do not know. What we do know is suddenly, like a cheez-it craving, he had an inkling to use the restroom. In his determination to use the restroom and return to the prayer room before the ending of the antiphonal chorus he inadvertantly missed the bright-eyed greeting of another in the hall. The small oversight was innocent enough, but the repercussion has been devastating. What took place in that brief moment of aloofness has created a domino-effect of frowny-faced intercessors. The rejection felt by the bright-eyed intercessor ignited a two-fold insecurity: 1) serious intercession sets are not the time for smiling, 2) do unto others as they have done to you. Within the next 20 minutes, she received three friendly smiles, to which she naturally responded with the same stone-faced expression given to her only moments ago. And on and on it went…

We now find ourselves in the midst of a prayer culture where it often feels inappropriate and, dare we say, unholy to smile in and out of the prayer room.

We completely understand the concentration necessary during intercession. We also recognize that prayer meetings are not a call to social hour. But lets be honest, when someone is pacing opposite you, you’re more than aware of them…in fact, you’ve probably judged them 6 different ways and wished they would get out of your pacing path already!

But really folks, is being friendly so distracting that a smile will leave you disabled in prayer and disconnected from the heart of Jesus?

These sock-puppets say, “Nay.”

Revival starts in the heart of the individual. And so, we have taken it upon ourselves to become revolutionaries in the prayer room. Smiling, sock-puppet, revolutionaries!!!

In taking up this challege we have made several discoveries.

1. Smiling elicits another smile 99.9% of the time
2. Smiling super-naturally produces joy causing:
A. greater connectivity with the heart of God
B. greater connectivity with fellow man
3. Smiling actually builds confidence in who you were made to be

If you’re finding yourself skeptical of our insights, try it yourself and give us your feedback.

Until then we leave you with this final thought:

Turn that frown upside-down when pacing to and fro.
Jesus is returning did you not get the memo?
Remeber in your youthful days that childlike happy glow?
Frowning is for sinners. A smiles the way to go!

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