The Precious Gift of Prayer

During this special holiday season in which our thoughts turn to gift giving, remember one of the greatest gifts you have already been given — the precious gift of prayer.

Sometimes getting up in the morning seems an impossible feat. The thought of my never ending To-Do list, along with the weight of the challenges and pain in our world, makes the warmth of my covers seem irresistible. But go I must if I want to help keep my small corner of the world going. I swing my legs slowly over the edge of the bed, trying stay covered in as many blankets as possible, while my knees make their way to the floor. As I close my eyes and bow my head within my warm cocoon, a sense of peace and strength overwhelms me. I am reminded of my inadequacy — more accurately, my dependence on a higher power and the fact that I am not alone in this mortal journey. My mind is filled with the many times I have knelt in this same position as I raised a heartfelt petition to my Father in Heaven and received the strong assurance that my prayer was heard.

Nothing is more reassuring than the gentle peace of knowing you are loved and heard by the God of the Universe — that among all His creations, He is near you and hearing your humble plea. The Lord is our safeguard and in times of difficulty and confusion He is always there. How grateful I am for the special gift of sharing the things of my soul with the One who will always listen, forever understand, and never forsake. Our heartfelt pleas are heard and I know that one of the quickest prayers God will answer is our appeal to know if He is there. The answer given may not be that our situation will be changed or our trials removed, but our Father will send a confirmation of His presence and awareness of our condition.

During this special holiday season in which our thoughts turn to gift giving, I invite you to remember one of the greatest gifts you have already been given. Though oft repeated, I know we are never alone and we have the precious gift of prayer to rescue us from feeling that we are. With all that is happening in the world and the adversary’s many attempts to steal our peace, we each need a refuge from the storms around us. Daily communion with our Father is that healing balm and cannot be replaced. As you follow the Christ’s tender command to “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest”, I know that He will do just as He promises (Matthew 11:28). Christ’s love will tenderly enfold you and His peace will give you the courage to keep pressing forward through whatever lies ahead.

Invitation: In moments when you find yourself overwhelmed, afraid, or discouraged, take a moment to pray and ask God to help you feel His love. Pause, and enjoy the peace that comes in His presence. This gift of prayer can be used any time you need to call heaven and will connect you to the infinite Source of Peace this holiday season and always.

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