This Wednesday is the first day of the Lenten season.  For the next few Mondays I am going to focus each meditation on a classic spiritual discipline.  Today is prayer.

If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.2 Chronicles 7:14

Our lands need healing.  Our nation needs healing with all the political, racial and social division.  Our local communities need healing with all the violence.  This past weekend there was another murder in Philadelphia, another act of senseless violence.  The world also needs prayer.  We are fast approaching the one-year anniversary of the invasion of Ukraine, and the death toll from the earthquakes in Syria and Turkey has surpassed 46,000 lost. 

On the surface this is hardly an uplifting morning meditation and yet it can be.  We can make a difference when we turn to God in prayer.  I am not suggesting the empty “Thoughts and Prayers” statement, rather true prayer, going before the Sovereign of the Universe asking for help because prayer works; “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective (James 5:16).”

Through prayer we are changed, we are inspired, we are given ways to make changes in the world.  As we join together in prayer, God will show us the path forward.  If we have the courage to act, God will do incredible things.

Peace,

Pastor Bill