I lift up my eyes to the hills;
from where is my help to come?
My help comes from the Lord,
the maker of heaven and earth.
Psalm 121:1-2
When asked what is the greatest commandment in the Law, Jesus replied, '"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind." This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it, "Love your neighbour as yourself."' It is an invitation to look upwards, outwards and inwards when praying.
Upwards to the God who gives life to us and all creatures, and who loves us with an unbreakable love. When you pause in stillness to connect with him, you can pray to him as our Father - the God for us or as Jesus - the God alongside us or as the Holy Spirit - God within us. However you address your prayers, may you feel God's presence in your praying.
Outwards in love as you think about the needs of those in your life or community or workplace who are on your heart. You may wish to visualise your day, the places you will go - the people you will meet - the opportunities you will have to bless friends and strangers. You might like to picture the places or issues in the news. Who needs to know that God loves them, that the world has not forgotten them? Hold them in your heart as you lift them up to the God who loves everyone. Do pray too for the wellbeing of God's creation. God delights in all that he has made.
Inwards in love and joy and thankfulness as well as in pain and sadness. Praying for ourselves is a sign that we love and care for ourselves and that we believe God loves us. We are all God's beloved children even when, at times, we feel unworthy of his love. Nothing will ever stop him loving us when we turn to him in love or in remorse. God loves. God forgives. He can help us do the same.
If you have any specific prayer requests, do give me a call or send them through to me. You can find my contact details by following this LINK.
We also have some topical prayers which you might like to join with us in praying. You will find them - HERE.
May God bless you and your loved ones.
Revd Katrina