Week 2 Guided Prayer

As I enter prayer now, I pause to be still; to breathe slowly, to re-center my scattered senses upon the presence of God

Our passage this week we’re meditating on is  Matthew 6:5-8

“And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.” 

We make space to consider fasting, giving, and feasting for this week

Fasting

what need or desire will you abstain from and trust God with as you seek Him?  

Giving

Consider the ways you have offered or received generosity and its effect on you. How and what might God lead you to give?

Feasting

And what will you celebrate? Who will you invite to share in your celebration? What joy is waiting to fill your life as you remember God’s presence and faithfulness?

Let’s read our passage this week again and Listen to what the Holy Spirit may be highlighting for you today

“And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.” 

Today in our Fast we fast from a  Tidy Faith

Alicia Britt Chole in her book 40 days of decrease writes about fasting a Tidy Faith. 

“We weaken – not strengthen – our faith when we silence sincere questions. Faith in Christ is not an airy substance that rests on unquestioning souls. Biblical faith is muscular, thickened more through trials than ease. The Author of our faith is more than able to address the identity crises His unexpected words and ways may trigger. 

What ways am I trying to hold my life together by my own strength?

I lay them at your feet … 

What are the questions I’m too afraid to ask ? 

I say them aloud now … 

what questions or doubts am I pushing down for fear that you’d be displeased? 

I offer these before you now.

Alicia continues .. 

Jesus is more than we thought, hoped, or imagined. His wildness is a source of wonder, not of worry. His righteousness is deeper than the oceans. His goodness is higher than the heavens. His faithfulness exceeds our comprehension.”

Jesus you are bigger than my questions. Safer and more secure to me than my doubts. 

Jesus … I give you my questions - pause

I give you my doubts … pause

I give you my hopes and dreams. Pause

“ I believe .. help my unbelief”

Where can I stop this week and feast and enjoy you and the security of your love and faithfulness to me? 

Paul reminds us in Romans that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. That includes my questions and my doubts. 

Thank you for your unending steadfast forever love toward me

Amen