Sometimes a symbolic focus or action can be a springboard to prayer, a reminder of God's word, or a prompt to take time out to rest a while. Today, light a candle, settle quietly, and allow the candle's flame to encourage you in prayer.
Let the warmth of the flame remind you of your heavenly Father's love, for How great is the love the Father has lavished on us that we should be called children of God. (1Jn3:1)
Consider the light of the flame burning brightly and give praise that Jesus is light. He said, I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life. (Jn 8:12)
Delight in the energy of the flame burning as you give thanks for the Holy Spirit's enabling: They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. (Acts 2:3-4)
Then pray (any or all of):
speak from your heart
pour out your feelings
tell Jesus your worries
read out a psalm (eg Psalm 33)
say the Lord's Prayer
go for a walk in the garden
dance
draw
be still
listen
follow God's prompting
Rest from the troubles that burden us
Trust in God who is faithful
May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. (2Cor13:14)
Amen
KJP Used with Permission Illustration used with permission
Lord Teach us to Pray
Prayer is a challenge for all of us, but in our current circumstances, we need more than ever to turn our focus to God, who is our strength, and our hope.
As our lives are turned upside down, and our hearts and minds churn with the consequences of COVID-19, perhaps a solid and reassuring starting place for our prayer is to begin with what we do know and can do.
Jesus’ response to the disciples’ cry, “Lord, teach us to pray” was to give them the words and model of the Lord’s Prayer.
So, take a moment. Take a calming breath. And pray what you know.
Pray the familiar words alone or together with others in your home. Pray it over the phone as you connect with wider family and friends. Recite it, read it out, write it down, and reflect on its meaning. It is meaningful, not meaningless. So say what you mean and mean what you pray!
Then try another step, expanding with specific concerns. For example, add your personal petitions after each phrase. Or try modelling your own words on Jesus’ pattern as we see Eugene Petersen has done here in The Message:
Our Father in heaven,
Reveal who you are.
Set the world right;
Do what's best— as above, so below.
Keep us alive with three square meals.
Keep us forgiven with you and forgiving others.
Keep us safe from ourselves and the Devil.
You're in charge!
You can do anything you want!
You're ablaze in beauty!
Yes. Yes. Yes.
The Lord’s Prayer “can be like a Christmas tree, on which we hang our own “decorations”, our own prayers.
Or it can be like a map: The directions are there, but we must take the trouble to travel, to pray them. (Peter Kreeft, Fundamentals of Faith. Ignatius Press 1988)
Blessings, Karen
This is an opportunity for us to step forward, boldly and confidently, as Christian citizens who understand how to practise care, compassion, and love. The hope we have in us is greater than anything this earth can offer, and God’s love strengthens us. Our Lord has been preparing us for this time for many years. Suddenly, being church is not just talk, but action, as we are challenged to step out of our church buildings into the unknown. As we do that, we will feel some sense of loss, but it does not need to bother us unduly. Our true hope is not in bricks and mortar, or the things of this world. We will always have what we need for each day. This is what we repeatedly ask God for, every time we pray the Lord’s Prayer. We can use the gifts we have been given for the good of the whole world, serving God with joy in our hearts.
We're living with the sadness of not being able to meet together to worship.
This doesn't stop us from being 'church' and worshipping at home.
Worship orders and helps are available.
God keep you safe and well!
We're at the end of the Epiphany season and Lent is about to begin.
Jesus takes three of his disciples up a mountain and amazes them with his glory.
What does this mean for us? How does it change the way we live? How does it change the way we pray?
Join us Sunday and be amazed by Jesus!
Join us Sunday to celebrate the beginning of a new year. We'll be encouraged to welcome the Word. Welcome the Word made flesh, welcome Jesus. Welcome Jesus into our 2020 world.
Join us on Sunday when we'll be asking whether we've turned away from God or maybe are taking God for granted
God's Spirit fills his people with words for our world is our focus this Sunday
We celebrate God's love for seven young people who confirm their journey of faith at Faith Lutheran College Chapel at 10:00am