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We retreated all day Monday and half of Tuesday this week. Janet, Amy, Steve, Ron and myself left it all behind for a day and a morning. We spent the biggest part of our time praying for our church and for one another.
I left behind things that needed to be done and those things were waiting on me when I returned. There are always things that need to be done — important things. Their number rarely seems to diminish, but only grows. In spite of all the important things that are needed, or more accurately because of them, prayer was needed all the more.
While we were praying together, I was reminded of some things that over the years I have found to be true regarding prayer:
Prayer penetrates our lives when we intentionally set aside time to do it. God always hears us when we pray, whether it is a short and quick prayer or one that is not so rushed.
Some days, we need to pray more than others; but every day, we need to pray some.
There is something about praying for one another that gives strength.
It is a gift to be in the presence of God with others.
When we draw near to God, God draws near to us.
Obviously, many more words could be written about the impact of prayer on our lives, but these were things that came to mind as a result of our staff retreat. I would add just one more thought to those I have already mentioned, and that would be that I need more of God’s presence. I suspect you do too.
We are in the middle of our Fall Stewardship emphasis. This is the time of year when we consider what we are giving to God and ask ourselves if we can do more.
In a similar way, I wonder what would happen if we asked ourselves those kinds of questions not just about our money, but about our prayer life as well.
Maybe you do not spend a part of each day in prayer. Consider giving five or ten minutes to God each day. Start small, but start. Maybe it has been your practice to give a part of each day to God. Consider adding five or ten minutes to that time.
Prayer is essential for the Christian. It is hard for us to know and love God if we do not actively seek to be in God’s presence.
Let us draw near to God, together.
Joy and Peace,
Ed
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