A few weeks ago, our Children’s church session focussed its activities on prayer and how we can pray in all situations and at all times. The activity (prepared and led by our fantastic Children’s Church leader) involved the children and young people creating these colourful prayer jars. Various ‘stations’ were set up in the room, each with an activity representing an aspect of prayer. These included Being Thankful, Praying for the World, Praying for Others, Saying Sorry, Listening to God. You get the idea! The children and young people went round the prayer stations, each taking part in a prayer activity with an adult and collecting a lolly stick reminder at each station to then place in their decorated prayer jar.
A simple idea but a reminder to all present of the importance of prayer in all situations and it provided a visual cue and prompt to pray. The session was most uplifting as children, young people and the adult leaders prayed together.
If, like me, you have found it a struggle to pray at times and certainly be disciplined to pray regularly then this activity certainly provides a focus. It may not be your style but finding a time, place to pray and what to pray for is sometimes a struggle. It’s important to realise, as we shared with the children, that prayer can be at any time, any place and doesn’t have to be worded eloquently. At times just a few words, such as ‘Help me Lord’, is all that is necessary especially when things in life become challenging. On occasions we do not know how to pray or feel powerless.
In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. Romans 8:26
Giving thanks and praising God is equally important as petitioned prayer and can provide perspective and an inner joy to our daily prayer. Taking a walk and marvelling at the wonder of creation is ‘prayer’ – we are acknowledging God’s creation and provision for us all and in our hearts giving thanks.
I am reminded of the comforting hymn, ‘What a Friend we have in Jesus’. Indeed, we do have an amazing friend and whilst the hymn may seem simple in its language, the clear encouragement is to ‘Take it to the Lord in Prayer’. So often we try to do things in our own strength, forgetting that God is greater and has overcome all. Prayer involves being still, letting go and allowing God to speak to us.
O what peace we often forfeit
O what needless pain we bear
All because we do not carry
Everything to God in prayer
Can we find a friend so faithful
Who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
As we approach Holy week and the anguish that Jesus experienced as he approached the crucifixion let us pray at all times and in all situations and experience for ourselves that peace which ‘transcends all understanding’.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. - Philippians 4:6-7
Cathryn Clarke
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