What has your prayer life been like this past month? If anything like mine, it may be a little different than before. I find myself praying at different times through the day than I had before, and maybe a little more specifically as well. I also find that I relish opportunities to pray with others, either on the phone, video conference, or in person. I stopped by somewhere this last week and someone was finishing up praying with another and I joined in (at a safe distance), which I appreciated. So the chance to huddle with others and hold hands is more taboo now, but it is not necessary for God to hear us, right? I recall some of my most powerful prayer times in the last 10 years or so being with a faithful friend over the phone. We can be kind and compassionate and loving and forgiving and all the things God calls us to be without having to hug someone, though that is appreciated at times. How has God been asking you to grow lately?
Not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. Hebrews 10:25
With more ‘alone’ time and less opportunities to meet and greet with fellow believers on Sunday mornings, how have you been reaching out to engage with others? I have found that people are getting creative in ways they are reaching out to others. We have had a teacher caravan visit our house almost every 1-2 weeks to say hi to our kindergarten student. There is still something special about seeing someone in person versus on a computer screen. I’ve had some good meetings with friends and family on the computer screen that we wouldn’t have gotten any other way. Even a wave at someone driving by in a car can be encouraging. Phone calls and text messages are still important at encouraging communication with those we love and care about. Maybe more face to face time with your family has caused your level of patience to improve, a little? Regardless of where you find yourself today, there will be opportunities to grow in love, and peace, and patience and kindness and other ways as we grow closer to Christ, and live out our faith with others. Both in our homes with our families and from a distance with fellow believers.
For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them. Matthew 18:20
Yours in Christ,
Clark
