A Life Centered In Prayer

Honestly, I don't know how they do it. It must create fear unparalleled to any other. It must feel like a constant state of chaos with an ego in need of stoking to establish stability. When we don't know the love and mercy of Christ, and I mean truly feel His Love and Mercy, all we see is the worldly view of our circumstances, not the heavenly view.  Evil is ready to pounce at a moment's notice when we feel disappointed, sad, hurt, or offended. Remember, we have a choice. We can either tumble down the rabbit hole running after revenge/retaliation, or, ask God what lesson we are in need of. Is it humility? Patience? Trusting Him completely? Whatever situation or circumstance we find ourselves in, we must run to Him, our Heavenly Father, to comfort and impart His Wisdom as any good father on earth would do for their children. 

Todays Gospel (Luke 2:36-40) demonstrates how focus on Christ heals and comforts:

There was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher.  She was advanced in years, having lived seven years with her husband after her marriage, and then as a widow until she was eighty-four.  She never left the temple, but worshiped night and day with fasting and prayer.  And coming forward at that very time, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem.

When they had fulfilled all the prescriptions of the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth.  The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him.

In the 2015 Christmas letter from Anne a lay apostle, she asks us to contemplate relationships in our lives and see them through the Eyes of Jesus:

"Now, humanity being what it is, we cannot always get along as well as we would wish with the important people in our lives. But we can certainly try. And a good start is to consider those around us using the mind of God. When we try to contemplate each other with God’s mind, we cannot help but be more compassionate and patient and also understanding. Because while we experience hurt personally, so often the actions of another have more to do with their wounds than with a desire to hurt us. When we use God’s mind, we can forgive more quickly and easily. Peace on earth means peace in our important relationships, whenever possible.

 

I think our quiet contemplation of each other would please the Infant King. As lay apostles, pleasing our King is of paramount importance. So together let us pray for peace in the world and in our families and in our hearts. Together let us pray for all prisoners and all families, especially those who worry for an addicted family member or for those families who have suffered a great loss this year. Together let us pray for those who are sick or suffering and most especially, let us remember those who may feel lonely this Christmas, even if they are not alone."

Lay apostles, I am imperfect. As I write todays blog post, I am reminded to stay focused on Him and love others with all their imperfections. I may experience hurt, sadness, or frustration, but when I react with love and understanding, I am pleasing the Infant King!

Thank you, Lord, for continually showing me I need to turn to You first . . . ALWAYS! And, love others as You love me.

God bless,

Bonnie