Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances,
for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Dear Church Family,
As we come into the month of May there is a lot of talk among Clergy about prayer. May 7th is the National Day of Prayer. This Day of Prayer is an annual observance designated by Congress. On this day specifically, people are asked to turn to God in prayer and meditation. This law was enacted in 1952 due to anxiety regarding the Korean War. Ever since, The Freedom of Religion Foundation has challenged the constitutionality of a government-sponsored day of prayer.
In today’s divisive times we could use prayer more than ever. Luckily for us we do not need a specified day of prayer, for we pray often and always. As followers of Christ, we are privy to the tools of prayer taught by Jesus.
In Matthew 6:25 Jesus encouraged us to pray in the privacy of our own room, emphasizing that our motivation for prayer should be a communication with God. Public prayer is important too, as I believe our collective energy is powerful, a truth we see each week in our sanctuary. Each form of prayer is equally important. Private prayer strengthens our still small voice that calls us and guides us. Public prayer strengthens our community.
I recently found a tool to help with this practice of private prayer. This practice, called “Two-Way-Prayer,” was created by a priest. It was developed for a 12-Step Recovery program to help individuals with their 11th-step: “Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God, praying only for the knowledge of God’s will and the power to carry it out.” The two-way prayer asks participants to find a quiet space, to write down a question for God, and to listen for an answer. The answer will come. Write down the answer. Ten to twenty minutes a day of conscious meditation with God makes a useful difference in our lives. If anyone cares for more information on this go to www.twowayprayer.org
As we move into the low liturgy of these summer months, may you find sabbath time to pray. Whether it be a formal two-way prayer, the Lord’s prayer, or a silent meditation of your own; take the time to pray, you will not regret it.
Prayerfully Yours,
Pastor Val