Sue O’Donnell. 07.08.20
“ ‘Come with Me by yourselves.
We will go somewhere quiet to rest’,” (Matthew 6 v 31 The Truth)
The Lord Jesus said to His disciples.
“So Jesus and the twelve went by boat
And headed for a lonely place.” (v 32)
Well, we probably cannot sail away,
But we can find somewhere quiet to pray.
Summer time offers ample opportunity
In the great outdoors many parks,
Our own gardens, ample woodlands,
A glorious beach and swathes of countryside
Often within easy reach.
There is no excuse for lack of space for prayer.
God, the Creator, our Father of love,
Has made a most marvellous place
For us to inhabit comfortably, season by season.
Currently, being summer, we can more easily
Go out and about to find a tranquil spot,
Where we have got solitude and space.
Space away from everyday rush and push,
Ever busy, busy, busy, frantically busy.
For surely like the earliest disciples,
We would want to come away by ourselves
To find somewhere to rest and talk with Jesus?
For here we find not only happiness in our friendship,
- Friends of course, always want to spend time together –
We find answers to many a worldly perplexity,
To daily worry, fret and anxiety.
For the very presence of Jesus, calms and soothes us.
And the gain of prayer does remain with us.
To make Jesus the correct focus of life,
We have to spend time alone together with our Saviour.
Thank God, our Father Creator for realising this,
Then making ample space, much shaped most beautifully.
If prayer is a duty, and it is,
Let us go outside whilst we can in August,
And allow the beauty of the natural world
Attract and inspire us, possibly opening our conversation with Jesus.
It is not only good to express gratitude, for we should,
This is beneficial to us, for appreciation,
When witnessed to prayerfully, helps to deepen our friendship.
For we worship the Lord who is life to us,
And prayer, as well as being the repair of much
Keeps us in closest touch with the power of holy love.
What has God gifted you by or with?
What does the Lord Jesus ask you to give in response?
What is the Holy Spirit currently saying
Whilst you are praying with a listening ear?
What aspects of a life of faith do you wish to share?
Answers to such questions and many, many more;
Are sourced, strengthened and sustained in prayer.
Is it then that today, even amidst your very busy schedule,
The Lord Jesus is issuing you an invitation as before,
Saying ‘Come away with Me to a quiet place.’
If so, do go! Happiness you know, that joy
Which is of the highest order, is always but always
Found, made sound in the shared friendship of the Lord Jesus.
Lord God, dearest Father, for our beautiful natural world, for prayer ever deepening our friendship with Your Son, our Lord and Master, and for times outside in a restful place, I praise and thank You. The Lord
Jesus adds such rich value to our everyday life.
You say to us “I urge you to pray for all people. Ask for God’s mercy to be upon them and pray with thanksgiving, even for kings and those in positions of authority, that we will be able to live in peace, stability and godliness as His holy people. He desires all men to be saved by coming to know the truth. (1 Timothy 2 v 1-4 The Truth)
This is how vital it is to pray to source, shape and sustain our faith through a rich friendship with the Lord Jesus, Your Word of life and offer of blessing to us according to the life building, love enhancing, Holy spirit to You our praise and thanks are due. Amen.
Images by Artist Christine Garwood
http://www.christinegarwoodartist.co.uk/
Season
Key Themes
NATURE
QUIET
