Ash Wednesday, February 18, 2026

“You’ve all been to the stadium and seen the athletes race. Everyone runs; one wins. Run to win. All good athletes train hard. They do it for a gold medal that tarnishes and fades. You’re after one that’s gold eternally.” (1 Corinthians 9: 24 -25, The Message Bible)

                Some of us are old enough to remember the opening words of the old TV show “The Wide World of Sports” on ABC, “the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat.” The latter was visually illustrated by a snow-skier epically wiping out on his downhill run.  Yikes!

                Susan and I have been watching a fair amount of the Olympics on TV lately.  Thus, we have seen both the thrills and the spills. We have seen both the tears of joy and the tears of defeat. We’ve heard stories about athletes who have overcome serious injurious, past failures, hardships, even cancer. Some were doubted when they began their sport’s journey. Yet here they were, finding themselves among some of the elite athletes of the world.

The winter Olympics features some of the most dare-devilish sports in the world. Sliding down a long icy chute on your back, riding on not much more than a sled which looks much like a cafeteria tray is not anywhere on my bucket list of things to do in my life. But we listened as these athletes explain how much they love their sport, how hard they have trained, the sacrifices they have made, what they have had to deal with and how grateful they are for those who have helped them along the way, for their families and coaches, their constant cheerleaders. All of them, win or lose, are proud to be Olympic athletes.

Several times, Paul uses athletic imagery to describe the Christian life. Not that Christianity is a sport, but he is encouraging excellence in our Christians endeavours. We don’t rest on our past laurels, but “press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.” (Philippians 3:14, New Living Translation) It suggests that we should not settle down in our comfortable (?) pews and sink into lethargy, apathy, indifference and inactivity, thinking that we have it made or that we have punched our ticket into heaven.  Being a follower of Jesus requires movement, actions, intent, practice and setting our goals and aims for being the best we can be for Christ.

We are not alone in this ambition. Like the Olympic athletes we too, are surrounded by encouragers. So often, I heard one of the athletes talk about how “it takes a village” to get them to this point in their sport.  My prayer would be that we all are blessed by some community of believes who have walked beside us with their own examples, their encouragement, their support and their teaching. “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.” (Hebrews 12:1)

There are always excuses for avoiding the authentic work which we need to exercise our Christian faith and practice. Right now, I am blaming the weather or my bad leg or something for not getting any exercise. It is all too easy to sit at home and watch church on my screen. But there are things any of us can do even if we feel “disabled” in some way, ways which we can exercise our faith by reaching out to others, caring for others, supporting our church financially. We can pray; we can study our scriptures; we can offer kind, encouraging words becoming part of the village.

Ash Wednesday begins the Lenten season, a season of reflection, self-examination and a re-kindling of faith in Jesus Christ who walked the road to Gethsemane for us.  But I don’t think that it should be just a passive undertaking. Jesus cleared the obstacles of sin, hell and even death so that we may live fully and abundantly. He has opened a way for us to do remarkable things in bis name: “I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father.” (John 14:12) He has prepared us to strive for goodness, to achieve the best standards of love we can, to run the race before us.

“We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up.” (Hebrews 12: 2 -3)

Strap on your faith and see what you can do! You ‘ll be amazed.

 Prayer:

Our Loving God, as we begin this season of Lent, we are encouraged to follow the footsteps of Jesus. Help us to understand the amazing sacrifice which he took upon himself for our sakes, so that we may have life and life abundantly. Encourage us so that we may honour him by doing our best and giving it our all. Help us to accept the challenges which we face and yet, strive for gold standard of Love in all we do. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Wednesday, February 11, 2026

“God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” (Matthew 5: 4, New Living Translation)

                I  was going to write a happy piece on the joys of dancing, but after I read about the mass shootings in British Columbia, this morning, when I got up, and the nine deaths and so many injuries, I gotta tell you that I don’t feel much like dancing, even if I could.

                There are not enough words to begin to describe the deep-down sadness and despair that this terrible incident has on us all, even if we don’t know a single individual who has been tragically affected. Perhaps, like me, you may also be feeling frustration, anger, fear, unsafe, gloom that such violence can happen – anywhere, any time, any place. It is not a too-big generalization to think that the world is going to hell in a handbasket, these days. These things challenge our faith, our hope, our assurances in God and in each other.  I echo the Psalm: “O Lord, come back to us! How long will you delay? Take pity on your servants!” (Psalm 90: 13)

                Despite our scripture text today, there will most likely be little, true comfort for those who have lost their loved ones, so unnecessarily and senselessly. Hopefully, they will be surrounded by their families, their neighbours, their town, their places of worship if they have one, their province, our whole country, but none of that can barely begin to erase the pain and sorrow they are going through.

No matter what our theology may be, what our faith tells us, what answers we look for, there will be, naturally, a brokenness in seeking any answer to as why this happened or where God was when it happened. In fact, we would trivialize their loss and sorrow if we tried to tender glib, facile, shallow bromides no matter what scripture or spiritual counsel we may offer.

Sometimes, the “right” response is not to say a blessed thing at all, to be like Job’s comforters when they first came to him: “Then they sat on the ground with him for seven days and nights. No one said a word to Job, for they saw that his suffering was too great for words.” (Job 2: 13) It was when they opened their mouths and preached at Job with their religious clichés were they of no help. It was not that their words were wrong, per se, but rather their words failed to bring Job any earthly comfort whatsoever. They should have kept their silence.

Usually, we need to feel all the pain and sorrow under the circumstances we’re in, right down to our bootstraps. This depth of sorrow, walking through the valleys of the shadow of death, is part of the sacred reality of being and will, or at least may, lead us towards  healing within our souls, spirits, psyches and lives and even reconciliation with God, “From the depths of despair, O Lord, I call for your help.” (Psalm 130:1) It is never easy or simple. Resurrection never is!

Yet, and it is a bitter-sweet yet, we are not abandoned even in these depths. I have no real, satisfactory answers as to why bad things happen to good people, whether it be a mass shooting or cancer; so, yes, I have to turn to God, regardless, and place my hope in him. I am free to cry out to God in pain, anger, grief or loss because if I have not God to turn to, I end up in total despair and hopelessness. We are then utterly lost, in that case. So it is, with even tear-stained hands, I hear Jesus’ Voice in the wilderness: “I tell you the truth… You will grieve, but your grief will suddenly turn to wonderful joy.” (John 16:20) Maybe, not today; not tomorrow, not even a month or two from now. But someday.  Whatever your sorrow, whatever your grief, whatever your sadness and mourning, God finds you and wraps his loving arms around you and holds precious your tears.

Maybe, just maybe, come back next week and I will feel more like dancing!

 

Prayer:

 Our Loving God, we pray for all who are grieving today. Be present to our brokenness and shattered experiences so that we may, one day, rise to experience your joy anew. May we be examples of your living Word who offer to come alongside those who feel sorrow and pain. May we find your peace, your hope, your love even in the depths of our questions and doubts. Hold us in your ever-present Love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Wednesday, February 4, 2026

“Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are?” (Matthew 6:26)

                 Last week, I came across an article that suggested we need to focus more on the little things in life in order to deal with the cold and sometimes bleak winter and the stressful news cycle we are currently experiencing. There was nothing particularly startling or revelatory in what it suggested. Listening to music. Get away from our devices. Reading a book. Going for a walk. Nonetheless, I appreciated the idea that it is through the little things in our lives – the unexciting, slower-paced, gentle, reflective activities – that we find equilibrium and comfort.

                Coincidently, a few weeks ago, long before I even read the article, I had some words that were swimming around in my mind. (Lots of room – I hear you.) I couldn’t get them out of my mind until I wrote them down. The connection is that the piece is called “The Little Things.” It’s kind of sappy and sentimental. But hey, behind this gruff, grumpy exterior is just an sentimental, old fool. But I share it with you. (If you want a tune to go with it, the opening lines from The Rose, “love is like a river…” seems to work. Not coincidently, one of my all-time favourite songs) 

The Little Things
It only takes a little breeze to make the air so sweet.
It only takes your little smile to make the heart skip a beat.
It only takes one soft look to know that we are loved.
It only takes a little prayer to reach our God above.

It only takes a little word to make someone smile.
It only takes a child’s small hand in ours to feel that we’re worthwhile.
It only takes a little kiss to make the pain go away.
It only takes a gentle look to make it through the day.

These are the little things that matter in our lives.
Dandelion fluff and puppy dog tails
May matter the most when all else fails.
Falling snow and ice cream treats
Make our lives both sacred and complete.

It only takes a little sun to chase away the clouds,
It only takes a little blue sky to shout our praise out loud.
It only takes a little hope to face the day in brand new light
It only takes a little joy to lift our spirits like a kite.

It only takes a little peace to settle all our wars
It only takes a little love to heal the ugly scars.
It only takes God’s still small voice to bring us to our knees.
It only takes a little faith to plant the hopeful seeds.

We are blessed by these little things in each and every day.
Their bounty may come to us in wondrous, many ways.
God gives to all, the big and the small, the short and the tall,
The little things which are always just right and never too small.

Prayer:

Our Creator God, we know that your eye is on us just as much as it is on the little sparrow. We give you our loving gratitude for the myriads of little things that touch our lives with joys, blessings, laughter, love and hope.  Help us to open our eyes, minds and spirits to your many expressions of your creative touch. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Wednesday, January 28, 2026

“Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.” (Psalm 119: 105, The Living Translation)

                 I know that I might be getting into my senior years when, for Christmas, my wife gave me several LARGE PRINT Sudoku puzzle books and one of my adult children and his wife gave me a new walking cane. I also know that I am getting older because I deeply appreciated both gifts. I also asked for hearing aids and have a hearing examination in February.

                My leg is still weak after the severe muscle pull, last autumn, so I am using the cane quite often, especially on slippery sidewalks and parking lots. It is nice to have the extra support and security. The cane is quite cool. It’s made of black metal and is collapsible and thereby foldable. But the best part is that there is a very bright LED flashlight in the handle of the cane. I can swivel that light in several directions. But it is meant to shine down on the ground in front of me if I am walking in the dark anywhere. Literally, it is a light for my path.

                We haven’t had a lot of light this year, so far; a lot of dull, dreary days, it seems. Even though the days are lengthening, it still gets dark early. I have had my SAD (Season Affective Disorder) light on for a period of time, every day. It helps but is not real sunlight.  

We need light in so many ways.

One source of spiritual Light is the Word of God, our Bible. The Psalmist is grateful for the inspiration that God’s Word has given him all through his life. Even when life could be difficult, he clung to God’s promises and assurances which  he found in our sacred writings.  As Paul wrote, “There’s nothing like the written Word of God for showing you the way to salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. Every part of Scripture is God-breathed and useful one way or another—showing us truth, exposing our rebellion, correcting our mistakes, training us to live God’s way. Through the Word we are put together and shaped up for the tasks God has for us.” (2 Timothy 3: 15 -17, The Message Bible) Our Bible is the critical source for building our faith, enriching our souls and leading us on paths of goodness. Spending time with God’s Word is edifying and constructive. As the Message Bible interprets today’s verse: “By your words I can see where I’m going; they throw a beam of light on my dark path. I’ve committed myself and I’ll never turn back from living by your righteous order.”

This shining Light of God’s Word points us to an even greater light, Jesus Christ himself. “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.” (John 8:12) He is our shining example of how we need to conduct ourselves each and every day. He illustrates for us in bright, unmistakable colours what brings us close to God. “And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.’ The second {commandment} is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ No other commandment is greater than these.” (Mark 12: 30-31) Jesus shows us the way to do just that.

The Light of God’s Word and the Light of Jesus Christ will have one major effect, reflecting the Light ourselves. “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.” (Matthew 5: 14 -16) Jesus bids us shine, you in your small corner and I in mine.  We may become someone’s SAD light, gleaming with hope, blessing, joy, peace, encouragement, forgiveness, and of course, love. We let our good deeds shine forth, not to put the spotlight on ourselves, but to be witnesses to the true sources of our light, the Word and Jesus and therefore God. “Go out into the world uncorrupted, a breath of fresh air in this squalid and polluted society. Provide people with a glimpse of good living and of the living God. Carry the light-giving Message into the night so I’ll have good cause to be proud of you on the day that Christ returns. You’ll be living proof that I didn’t go to all this work for nothing.” (Philippians 2: 14 -16, The Message Bible)

Pass me my walking stick. There’s a pathway ahead.

 

Prayer:

                Shine Jesus, shine! Help us to read and understand the Word of God and know the right directions we must take. Shine, Jesus, shine! May we keep our eyes focused on Jesus as our bright example. Shine, Jesus, shine! Help us to reflect daily the Love of God through our words and actions. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Wednesday, January 21, 2026

“What sorrow awaits you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you are so careful to clean the outside of the cup and the dish, but inside you are filthy—full of greed and self-indulgence! You blind Pharisee! First wash the inside of the cup and the dish, and then the outside will become clean, too.” (Matthew 23:25 -26, New Living Translation)

             The one thing that I miss from our old house is the automatic dishwasher. We don’t have one here in our apartment. So dishes need to be washed by hand. Susan is a real trooper and does it without complaining. But she has been on the sidelines this past week or so, sick with a very bad cold and a terrible hacking cough. This has meant that I need to do the dishes. I’m sure many of you are already sarcastically thinking, “Oh, poor baby!” Fair enough.  But I detest doing dishes. I’ll clear the table of the dishes, stack the dishes, wipe dry the dishes, put away the dishes but please don’t ask me to wash the dishes.  I’ll vacuum, do the laundry, dust and sweep, but I’d rather not wash the dishes. I don’t care who does the dishes – man, woman or child or the dog can lick them clean. But I’ll pass when it comes to actually washing the dishes in the sink. Don’t really know why I have this aversion, but it’s been true my whole life.

                I would love to claim our text as supporting my position on dishwashing but that would be quite an interpretive stretch, of course.  Jesus is, once again, up against the dogmatic, religious leaders. These leaders were always looking to find fault with Jesus. They saw him as a blasphemer, a radical, a reformer, a poor example of good Judaism. These men were rigorous to a fault about obeying the Law to the finest detail and expecting everyone else to do likewise. We might call them fundamentalists, those who see their world in no uncertain terms as to what they think the Law demands.

Heaven forbid, if one used a dirty dish. There were rules about washing, mostly about one’s hands.  But since a cup was frequently used as part of the tradition, it was essential that the cup be properly cleansed as well. Thus, perhaps, the phrase, cleanliness is next to Godliness. But Jesus seems to be saying that religion which only touches the surface and is it all show and looks shiny, but bears no results, is an empty dish indeed, no matter how clean it might be.

There are several other instances in scripture where we ere reminded that the practice of our faith is more than ritual obedience, more than ceremonial performance, more than saying the right words  or practicing performance-based faith. My favourite is from Micah:

        Should we offer him thousands of rams    
            and ten thousand rivers of olive oil?
        Should we sacrifice our firstborn children
            to pay for our sins?
        No, O people, the Lord has told you what is good,
        and this is what he requires of you:
        to do what is right, to love mercy,
        and to walk humbly with your God. (Micah 6:7 – 8)

Our best religious practice is more than going to church, saying our prayers, giving our offering, memorizing scripture, serving on some church board or committee. That  is an important part of it, of course. But our religion should inspire us to do as Jesus once said: “I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father.” (John 14:12)

                Not that washing dishes can’t be holy work. A very long tome ago, l was being interviewed for a pastoral position. One of the questions I faced was about how I would get those who loved working in the kitchen, i.e. washing dishes, to step up their religious game and be more fervent in joining bible studies, prayer meetings and the like. The search committee joined the pharisees by looking down their noses at those who were serving the Lord in practical, helpful ways but not according to their high standards. I knew right away that this church wasn’t for me. Not surprisingly, perhaps, this church no longer exists.

James wrote that faith without works is dead. “Do I hear you professing to believe in the one and only God, but then observe you complacently sitting back as if you had done something wonderful? That’s just great. Demons do that, but what good does it do them? Use your heads! Do you suppose for a minute that you can cut faith and works in two and not end up with a corpse on your hands?” (James 2:20, The Message Bible)

So, no, Jesus is not letting me off the hook for washing dishes. Rather he is demanding that you and I bear fruit because of the faith we practice. Jesus washed feet, for goodness’s sake, a menial job but it spoke volumes about the breadth and depth of what it truly means to be a follower of Jesus Christ.

Somebody, pass the dish rag, please.

 Prayer

Our forbearing God, forgive us when it is easier to say the words than live the words. May our expressions of faith in you be more than superlatives about our superiority. Help us to see how we may fill  our  cups with kindness, love, compassion, forgiveness and servanthood. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Wednesday, January 14, 2026

“And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.” (Philippians 1:6, New Living Translation)

            Have you already broken your New Year’s resolutions? Do you feel that you have already fallen back into the same old routines and ruts? Do you feel unmotivated as winter wears on? Maybe, you are a little bored with what you are doing, seeing, hearing. Is there any part of you that just wants to say “the heck with it?”

As I was mulling over an idea for today’s writing, I came across an article by Lauren Fraser on the CBC website which seemed to fit my thoughts and questions. It was about how to keep resolutions.  Apparently, most people give up on their goals and targets after about four months. Be it the local gym membership, reading a long-put-off book, spending more time out doors, less time on our computers or phones, people give up and go back to their old ways and habits.

Case in point, myself. Physio therapy has  really helped my right leg which had become a major problem. It took away the severe pain. But the leg has remained weak and I was given a series of home exercises to help strengthen it and my supportive back muscles. They took only about 15 minutes, twice a day.  I didn’t even reach the four months. I was religiously faithful both mornings and nights for about 6 to 8 weeks. Then, it became once a day. Then every other day.  Then occasionally. Now if I don’t feel like doing them, I don’t do any at all.  It will probably stay that way until I am in pain once again.  Don’t tell Susan.

The article described how important motivation is as the trigger in keeping up the good habits which we are trying to sustain. Stating the obvious, “a major predictor of success is whether you actually enjoy the goal you’ve set.” We are supposed to make it enjoyable. “But if you want something to stick, don’t be a martyr.” Find a challenge and celebrate the rewards. Replace old habits with new ones.  Look at each day as a fresh start.  Look for the right opportunities to engage in healthy habits without it becoming a chore, a duty, a slog, a nag or a guilt trip.

The word “continue” shows up frequently enough in scripture that we should take heed. For one thing, we are assured of God’s continued Love and Grace each and every day. “For the Lord is good.    His unfailing love continues forever, and his faithfulness continues to each generation.” (Psalm 100:5) But this promise and hope carry a call for commitment on our behalf that we, too, will continue in faithfulness, trust, obedience and worship.

A healthy spiritualty, a Christian lifestyle, doesn’t happen by chance.  “But you must continue to believe this truth and stand firmly in it. Don’t drift away from the assurance you received when you heard the Good News.” (Colossian 1:23) We have to continually practice what Jesus preaches.  We must cultivate, shape, nurture, exercise our Christian faith, each and every day. Paul described it as like training for the Olympics. “I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified.”  (1 Corinthians 9: 27)

In the letter to the Hebrews, the writer is alarmed at the sloppy habits of some of the people. “Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise. Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.” (Hebrews 10:23) He reminds them of how strong they started out in their faith journey. “Think back on those early days when you first learned about Christ. Remember how you remained faithful even though it meant terrible suffering.” (10: 32) He warns but also encourages. “Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that he has promised.” (10: 36)

 So don’t give up on your faith. You can increase its benefits with each and every day that you live by the principles of Jesus Christ. “But God is doing what is best for us, training us to live God’s holy best. At the time, discipline isn’t much fun. It always feels like it’s going against the grain. Later, of course, it pays off big-time, for it’s the well-trained who find themselves mature in their relationship with God. So don’t sit around on your hands! No more dragging your feet! Clear the path for long-distance runners so no one will trip and fall, so no one will step in a hole and sprain an ankle. Help each other out. And run for it!” (Hebrew 12: 11 -13, The Message Bible)

 
Prayer:
            Our Creator God, we thank you for your continued Love and Grace. We also thank you for your encouragement as we endeavour, each and day, to live lives worthy of that Love. Grant us the willingness, the strength and the resolve to love you with all our hearts, minds, bodies and souls and to love our neighbours as ourselves. May we be fit for your kingdom work. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Wednesday, January 7, 2026

“Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5: 16 -18, New Living Translation)

            Happy New Year.

            I am not big on New Year’s Resolutions.  I may have the best of intentions but sooner or later I am most likely to break them. But I am making a resolution this year that I intend fully to keep.

             A little back ground first. Over the last few years, I have been a frequent contributor to the daily devotionals that our church, Yorkminster Park Baptist Church, produces on-line. One must be a subscriber - easily done, at no cost, through their website. I have been told that they have readers from around the world. I love writing, so it has been a joy. Then, this past December, as staff changes began to happen, the Rev. Paula Willis asked me to become a regular contributor, twice a month, the first and fourth Tuesdays of the month and the fifth Tuesday if there is one. All the daily readings are from the lectionary which makes it an interesting challenge. It gets me thinking and off my computer games.

            One of the aspects that go with each daily devotional is a brief prayer, just a sentence or two. As I have not done this with my own blog, I would often forget and send  the devotional  into Paula with no prayer. She would then kindly remind me and I would send her one. Now that I am a regular writer, I am doing my best to remember to pray (which is a topic for a whole other blog).

            This brings me to my resolution. Beginning with this, my first blog of the year, I am adding a brief prayer at the end of it and will continue to do so from now on. Perhaps, this is not earth-shattering news, but I am hoping that many of you will find it helpful in some small way.

            The disciples once asked Jesus to teach them to pray. He gave the Church the beautiful Lord’s Prayer. “Our Father who art in heaven.” If prayer is hard for you or you feel that you can’t find the right words, the Lord’s Prayer captures so much of our need for God’s Presence in our lives, that you can’t go wrong using this prayer as the standard. God will hear you through it. “The Lord has heard my plea; the Lord will answer my prayer.” (Psalm 6:9)

            Prayer is mentioned several hundreds of times in the Bible. It is crucial for a healthy relationship with God. “I am praying to you because I know you will answer, O God. Bend down and listen as I pray.” (Psalm 17:6) The Psalms are also very helpful if ever you are stuck in finding the words to pray. They cover every human emotion from joy to sorrow, from confidence to fear from hope to despair, from peace to anger. “But each day the Lord pours his unfailing love upon me, and through each night I sing his songs, praying to God who gives me life.” (Psalm 42:8)

            Many people claim that they don’t know how to pray. I have had church deacons who were very bashful about praying in front of others. Some may think that prayer needs to be done by a professional  or needs to be articulated with pious and high-minded words. They see prayer in formal and liturgical resonance. But really, prayer, at its most basic and simplest, is having a real-life conversation with God. It doesn’t have to be pretty or convoluted. It just needs to be sincere and honest, expressing yourself in the best way you know how. God will take it from there. “And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words.” (Romans 8: 26)

            Our text from 1 Thessalonians is a wonderful text for beginning the New Year. Worth repeating: “Be cheerful no matter what; pray all the time; thank God no matter what happens. This is the way God wants you who belong to Christ Jesus to live.” (The Message Bible) If only we lived this verse out all year long! Pray it be so!

Prayer

Our loving God, we thank you for listening to us even if we stumble for the right words. You call us and know us by name, so we never need fear to approach you and lay our lives before you. Help us to listen. Help us to understand who you want us to be. In Jesus’ name, Amen.