Thoughts for the Day

Jesus went out to the mountains to pray, and he spent the night praying to His Heavenly Father. And when day came, he called his disciples and chose twelve of them, who he also named apostles. Simon, whom he named Peter, and his brother Andrew, and James, and John, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James son of Alphaeus, and Simon, who was called the Zealot, and Judas son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor.

(New Revised Standard Version)

Thoughts

Jesus didn't begin his work until he was about 30 years old and it was to last for only three years, but during this time the Gospels record that every major event was preceded by a quiet time spent with God. Nothing occurred in his ministry that did not start with prayer. Before he chose his twelve disciples it was even more important that he sought God's help.

We too should get into the habit of speaking to God - we don't need to go to a mountain, nor do we need to pray all night! Many of us find prayer difficult, but if we think of it as a simple phone call to someone we know and love, it might help. When ringing a close friend I might do the following:

1. Decide on a time to ring them.
2. Find some quiet space so I can hear them.
3. Apologise for not ringing before.
4. Thank them for something.
5. Listen to them.
6. Possibly ask for help for aother and/or myself.

Don't forget to listen to God - it would be a strange phone call if you only talked to someone!

Saturday 16th May, follow up thoughts

Father God,
we confess that sometimes we forget You
especially when we're busy,
even though we know that we need You.
Help us to remember to find time to speak to you
so that we grow closer and closer to You,
and help us to remember to listen!
Amen.