“When you Pray” – Jesus
These words, spoken three times to the crowds who gathered on a mountainside to listen to one of the most beautiful teachings in history, were delivered with an assumption that ‘we (do) pray’.
Matthew 5 is a treasure chest of exhortations, mandates, and principals for healthy living that still ring true 2000 years after Jesus delivered them.
Prayer was not an optional extra, but a practice that was woven through the tapestry of everyday life in the cultural practice of the ancient near east. Today should be no different, yet Prayer is something that may be referenced as ‘if I pray’, ‘how do I pray’, or ‘why should pray’.
There seem to be so many ‘ways’ to pray …and often so many seemingly ‘unanswered’ prayers, that we give up, or rather we don’t even get started – it’s all too daunting.
But prayer is not complex. It is simply the act of connecting with God, and God with us. Like talking to a good friend. Learning to be honest and authentic, speaking truth, enjoying good company, walking, talking, laughing and crying together.
God is central, taking the lead, enabling, and bringing about all outcomes. I am invited to join his Story, and a Conversation,
to Wait, Listen, Ponder and Respond.
We have set aside two days in January, dedicated to Prayer.
So this Wednesday (27th) from 7am – 7pm, our auditorium is being set aside for anyone to come and enjoy some private moments of solitude, rest, reading, reflection, meditation, worship, art expression…whatever you would do that connects you to God!
Then we will finish our day by joining as a community to pray together, at 7pm.
