Abruptly Jesus broke into prayer: “Thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth. You’ve concealed your ways from sophisticates and know-it-alls, but spelled them out clearly to ordinary people. Yes, Father, that’s the way you like to work.” Matthew 11:25-26 MSG
Comment
The phrase that struck me here is ‘Abruptly Jesus broke into prayer….’ He didn’t say, ‘Let me get away for my Quiet Time, then I will have a good talk with the Father about this.’ It was spontaneous. Prayer burst from his lips because that was what filled his heart.
Recently I’ve been challenged to find little oasis moments – brief times when I break into prayer, to pause and ask the Lord to have mercy and bless that segment of the day. ‘Lord, have mercy on me this morning as I do my taxes….’ It helps if I can link this prayer moment to something I do regularly, like switching on the kettle. These tiny sparks of connection with the Father help me take a little breath, remind me that I am not the one in charge. He is, was and ever will be reigning supreme over everything that concerns me.
What about you? How can you establish points of connection with the Father throughout the day?
Prayer (as a couple)
Heavenly Father, have mercy on the details of our lives today. Help us to establish regular times of connecting with you.
Prayer (for others)
Lord Jesus, we especially pray for _______, that they will find the joy of a close relationship with you.
Quote
‘There are three necessary prayers and they have three words each. They are these, “Lord have mercy. Thee I adore. Into Thy hands.”’ from The Scent of Water by Elizabeth Goudge
