Prayer has been on my mind recently. I am asked to pray for someone almost every day. I am honored that you trust me as your pastor and friend with this significant task. But I am not sure you are aware of how seriously I take prayer. I have seen how prayer can change the outcome in a health crisis; cover someone in an accident; give hope where there was none.

Jesus understood how important it was to pray, so he gave directions, saying, “This, then, is how you should pray.” Matthew 6: 9

The result is what we know as the “Lord’s Prayer.” It brings us together, helps us remember who it is we are calling upon to hear us, and gives us the opportunity to listen for a response.

If there ever was a time in history that prayer was needed it is now… today… in this moment! Even if we are thinking, “How can we pray in this broken world?” Begin simply by bringing to mind the people and situations that worry you the most… the victims of wars; abuse; the consequences of poverty. Place whatever it is that leads you to worry, into the hands of Jesus. The Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness, for we do not always know how to pray. Ultimately, God knows what is in our hearts.

Paul reminds us that even in the darkest moments of human history, when all else seemed to have failed, there were people praying, and there was hope. When we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.

As we continue to move through the season of Lent and closer to Holy Week, let us sense Jesus before us, ready and willing to help us along the way. May he be our example. Pray for his church, his people, and peace that is so needed in the world he has placed us on.

May you feel the prayers I have said for you today,

Blessings,

Pastor Beth