Set Aside Time to Pray

"I have been driven many times to my knees by the overwhelming conviction that I had nowhere else to go. My own wisdom, and that of all about me seemed insufficient for the day."   -Abraham Lincoln.

Albert Einstein dreamed of finding a single theory that would embrace all of nature’s laws. But in his quest for this unified theory, Einstein came up empty-handed. Others followed and pursued what has come to be known as the Theory of Everything, seeking to define all the laws of the universe in one theory. Proponents of the theory of everything see the universe as a grand cosmic symphony.

If the universe is a grand cosmic symphony, who’s writing the music? Who’s conducting the orchestra? In Colossians 1, Paul writes the “original” theory of everything. For Paul, Jesus is the source of holding life together. Does that work for you? Is life holding together or is it unraveling at the seams?

One sign life is unraveling is when worry hits us. Corrie Ten Boom spoke of the unraveling effects of worry, when she said, “Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow, but it empties today of it’s strength.” Along with worry, life seems to unravel with stress, pain, suffering, etc... For sure, these all can challenge the togetherness we feel in life.

Today, I'd like to suggest three items that may help hold it together when you feel like you're losing your grip on life. First, we need to connect, or link up to Jesus the source of life. Perhaps a little schoolgirl put it best when she said, “Some people couldn't hear God’s inside whisper, and so he sent Jesus to tell them out loud.”

In Jesus, we see God’s compassion — out loud. In Jesus, we feel God’s power — out loud. In Jesus, we experience God’s love – out loud. In Jesus, we get a sense of God’s personality — out loud. For Jesus is the source of life. It takes some audacity to claim God visited this planet only once in the form of a human being, and that we are privileged to know that person.

It takes audacity to claim that the church has the franchise on the only worldwide message of salvation. Then, by God’s grace, let’s be audacious! Because the Bible declares it, history confirms it, and God wants us to know that in Jesus we see the fullness of God.

Second, We must pray to stay in contact with Jesus the source of wisdom and understanding. In 1495 Leonardo DaVinci began to paint his immortal vision of the Last Supper. Working slowly and with great care for detail, he spent 3 years completing the painting. When he finally finished he called a trusted friend to see it. “Give me your honest opinion,” said DaVinci.

“It’s wonderful”’ said his friend. “In fact, that cup is so real I cannot keep my eyes off it.” Immediately, DaVinci took a brush and drew it across the sparkling cup, removing its glow. He said, “If it affects you that way, it must not remain.” “But why,” asked his friend. “The cup was beautiful.” “Because,” said the great artist, “ Nothing whatsoever shall distract attention from the figure of Christ.” Prayer keeps us in contact with Jesus. Prayer clarifies our focus.

God tells us in His scriptures that we are to pray without ceasing and ask for what we want in His name and He will supply all our needs. God answers prayer!

Third, We must give thanks. Have Jesus adjust your attitude to gratitude, and He will change your life. According to one man (Meister Eckart), the most important prayer in the world is 2 words long, “Thank you.” I have discovered there is power in giving thanks to God. Giving thanks even when life is falling apart provides a needed attitude adjustment towards gratitude.

God rescued us by sacrificing His Son on the cross. The One who holds life together gave His life that we might live. So where do you need an attitude adjustment? And may I suggest, don’t try it on your own, for we typically live by circumstances. Build on what God has done for us through Jesus Christ.

In conclusion, reaffirm your connection with Christ. Set aside time to pray, and give God permission to interrupt your day with His response. Give thanks today, and in your own expression to God, of the thanks we have for Jesus; who holds life together even when it feels like it’s falling apart. Amen.

Scripture: Hebrews 13:15; Jude 1:25; Psalm 99:3; Revelation 1:6; 1 Peter 1:3; Psalm 106:1; Psalm 71:8

Prayer: Dear Father, thank you for the life you have given me, even with all the challenges; for I know each one brings me closer to you. Amen

 May God bless you always!

Leigh Ann