The Manse

I have been thinking about my praying recently. I mean what I do when I pray on my own. I know the quality of my life comes through prayer

Certainly there are times when I have to just keep going, even though it is something I have been doing for so long. Maybe some of the things that help me might be of use to you too. I know not to rely on what I may be feeling, but we are all influenced by that because it is part of us

One thing I sometimes do is write down what I want to say as best I can. It is a bit like writing a letter, but not worrying too much about exactly what words to use. I might keep what I have written for a while and look at it again

Maybe it is because I am so often saying prayers with others, but I have learned to listen to others praying whenever I can. It is often just because we all say things a bit differently that this is refreshing. But most of all I am often simply reminded of what a privilege prayer is, and that the Lord is listening

One of the most reliable sources of help in our praying is the Bible and especially the prayers in it, and the psalms of course. You could make it a goal to find as many of the prayers, which are part of the books of the bible as you can

The one moment in the Bible, which always encourages me the most is when Jesus gave the disciples the Lord’s Prayer. They so much wanted to pray as they saw him do. He understands our wish too, and sends his Spirit to help us

It is not always easy, but keep on working to find time every day to pray. You need it

Your Pastor,

Gordon.