Prayer
LENT 2023 | DAY 14
Matthew 6:5-8 (NIV)
(Audree Tan, Pastoral Team Member, Prayer)
READ:
Matthew 6:5-8 (NIV)
DAILY REFLECTION:
Prayer is a discipline Jesus wanted me to hold very close to my heart. I can go to my room or space (bus, mrt, car), close the door (shut out noises) and talk to my Father.
When Rodney and I started our marriage journey in 1983, we decided to begin each day and end each evening with prayer. With this arrangement, it was also difficult to allow anger to brew and for the sun to rise with unresolved issues. In 2023 we will celebrate our 40th wedding anniversary. We have kept our daily prayer appointment. It has kept our marriage anchored on the covenant made at the cross. The car became our prayer closet for the family. The children met God in this closet when we sent them to school each morning. Our prayers now include adoration and worship for Him who loves us unconditionally.
My prayers are no longer a platter of needs and concerns. I do a self-check very often. From Matthew 6:6, I am reminded to go to God in secret, for He has said He will reward when I pray behind closed doors. Through prayer, I have experienced an infinite relationship with our God which has no boundaries. In prayer, I meet God whom I can fully trust. He is always present, always available, always listening, reliable and patient. I have finally understood what it means to not struggle with insecurity, loneliness and anxiety. Through prayer, I have experienced a true contentment of a reciprocal unconditional love relationship. I look forward to completing my life journey with God, continually raising my prayers to him in my whispers, my thoughts, my raising of hands and movement (dance).
FAMILY DISCUSSION POINTERS:
1. Shall we as a family set aside daily one-on-one time with the Lord?
2. What should our posture be as we enter into the prayer closet to meet God?
3. As parents, how can we encourage our family to have regular deep conversations and prayer with God?
