The Lenten Pilgrimage - Day 8

Thursday, February 25th 

     “But whenever 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.”

                                                                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                Matthew 6:6       

     Do you have a prayer closet?  Is there a space rendered sacred from being bathed in prayer over the years?   

     Prayer, of course, can occur in any setting at any time.  But as we journey through Lent we’re invited to reflect on the value of intentional prayer.  The Season of Lent invites us to deeper communion with God, encouraging us to engage in those spiritual practices that can shape our hearts and bend our lives toward Christlikeness.  The gospels bear witness that Jesus frequently went off by himself to pray. 

      If you do not currently have a space set aside for quiet, hidden and intimate prayer with God, the Season of Lent is a good time to imagine and envision the value of such a sacred space in your life.  I have found that lighting a candle during my set apart times of prayer can help to center my thoughts, serving as a reminder of Christ's presence with me.  

      Lent provides a good time to ponder an important question:  Am I spending enough quality time alone with God?

      

      

 Prayer     

     Lord Jesus, you modeled for us a vital rhythm of prayerful solitude and active community, a 

     rhythm of restorative rest and fruitful work that enabled you to be healthy in body, mind and 

     spirit, as you cultivated deep communion with God through prayer.   We confess that our 

     prayer lives are often not what they could be, not what we wish they would be, not what you 

     desire for us.  In these days of Lent, call us to prayer.   Give us a hunger for deeper 

     communion with God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.  Help us to observe a holy Lent, bathed in 

     prayer.  In your holy name we pray.  Amen.