This Saturday we have a special prayer event happening throughout the Presbytery and we will be reflecting on different ways to pray during Lent (and beyond).
But why is prayer so important?
If you ever hear me humming, it is likely to be a particular hymn tune. What a friend we have in Jesus has been firmly rooted in my being since attending church in Northern Ireland as a little girl. Throughout the three verses there is a recurrent message. Whatever you are carrying, whatever you are struggling with - take it to the Lord in prayer. In him you will find peace, sanctuary, friendship, solace. The hymn reminds us that Jesus knows our every weakness - he doesn't need us to tell him all that is going on. Rather, he wants us to tell him all that is going on. He wants the conversation and with it, the opportunity to respond.
Jesus himself modelled prayer for us. He took time apart to be with his heavenly Father. Solitude and prayer were regular features in his life e.g. his time in the wilderness. And when asked, he taught the disciples about prayer. They were curious to learn more about how he prayed, because to them it seemed different from what they knew about prayer.
Jesus also modelled praying for other people and for the world. We see it with the raising of Lazarus and in the prayer found in John 17.
When the world is in turmoil, as it most is right now, it can be difficult to know where to start with our prayers. How do we pray in the face of so much going wrong?
Perhaps the best thing is to start with what is on our heart or on our mind. Begin with what concerns us and see where that leads. We don't have to pray for everything all at once. But we can pray about anything. "And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people." Ephesians 6:18
Within the life of our denomination, I would ask you to be praying for the staff at our national office ('121'). You will find in this post a link to a message sent out from the Office of the Assembly Trustees outlining the introduction of a Voluntary Exit scheme and the likelihood of compulsory redundancies. As the Convener of the Assembly Trustees states, "We hold in prayer those whose roles are affected, whose futures feel uncertain, and whose service has been faithful, trusting in God’s guidance and grace as we move forward together. "
It is a challenging time for everyone across the Church of Scotland and I appreciate that at congregational level, difficult decisions are also having to be made. Supporting one another through prayer is something we can all participate in. Trusting in the One who invites us to lay down all our burdens before Him because He cares about us.
If you haven't already decided to come and join us on Saturday, please give it some thought. You can join online or onsite. And we'd love to have you with us.
Rev Stella
