Letter to the Church
Dear Friends, here I am trying to write this prayer letter and thinking 'what do I say'.
First of all I pray that we will soon be together, to share our experiences of the last few months, and to worship Our Lord together.
Life feels strings, with so many restrictions and isolation from our families and friends. Being in contact with people who are isolated, lonely, fearful and sometimes desperate, I feel, not just sad, but wanting to do something to help. Often all that is needed is a phone call, a voice on the line, someone who will just listen. All the time I am told ' thank you, I feel much better now'.
That is something we can all do, just listen, make someone's day easier to bare.--- I don't always feel like doing this, sometimes it feels like a big effort but, we are called to love, care and be there for each other. When we are obedient and get on with blessing others, there is so much blessing given to us, as Our Lord honours our obedience.
I have a series of books by Sarah Young, many of you may know 'Jesus Calling.' There is another one called 'Jesus Always', and when I was reading it on the 4th August, these words jumped out at me.
"Never underestimate the power of prayer. People who are feeling discouraged and hopeless often say something like, ' there is nothing left to do but pray'. The implication is that this is their last resort, and a feeble one at that. Nothing could be further from the truth.
I created mankind with the ability to communicate with Me. Since I am the ETERNAL, IMMORTAL,INVISIBLE KING of the universe, this is an astonishing privilege. Even when the human race became tainted with sin through Adam and Eve's disobedience, I did not withdraw this glorious privilege. And when I lived in your world as a flesh and blood man, I relied heavily on praying to My Father. I was keenly aware how continuously I needed His help.
Persistent, heartfelt prayer will bless not only you but also your family, friends, church--- even your country. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you pray effectively. Find others to join you in this venture of seeking My Face in humility and repentance. Beseech Me to heal your land.
1 Timothy 2 : 1-2 " I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. As you make your requests, plead for God's mercy upon them, and give thanks. Pray this for kings, and for all who are in authority, so that we can live in peace and quietness, in godliness and dignity. This is good and pleases God our Saviour, for He wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth.
Here Paul shows why prayer is essential for establishing a peaceful context for spiritual growth. Through prayer, both public and private, order and peace are promoted and strengthened.
Prayer involves thanksgiving for God's blessings and intercession for others.
We can be one so easily focused on our own activities that we forget to turn to God for help. Definitely for me to think about. Regular prayer reminds us that we are helpless without God's continual and powerful help.
2 Chronicles 7: 14 "Then if my people, who are called by My Name will humble themselves and pray, and seek My Face, and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins, and heal their lands. I will listen to every prayer in this place.
This is one of God's greatest promises. He does forgive our sins as we confess them. It is part of God's nature to be forgiving. That challenges me as to how forgiving I am, or how willing to ask for forgiveness. Something for me to work on.
As I write this I am challenged by what I read in 'Jesus Always', and by where it has led my thinking. I do pray this is helpful to you also.
I pray God's Blessing on you, your families and friends, and look forward to meeting you All again soon.
Every Blessing in Jesus. Irene.