Thanks for praying....

Romans 3:21-22
Jeremiah 33:6-9
Hebrews: 9:28

I'm always amazed at how many times I can read a passage of scripture and new things come to life for me. I'm amazed that my heart can soften even further to the Word as it seems to leap from the pages of my bible (NLT is the preferred version for me, but I have several I regularly meander through to confirm my understanding).

From time to time, I receive scripture references from friends. From those who love Jesus and feel prompted to send a word or two after they have been praying or thinking of me. There are few things make my day brighter. Partly because of the surprise they bring... and partly because it reminds how easily He can send a clear word, even when I'm not particularly listening...

It shouldn't surprise me really. I've been waken out of bed, or simply stopped in the middle of my busy work day, with a clear impression to pray for someone. Often it's for someone I know...but sometimes its for someone I've never met, and for those in countries and situations that seem so far away. I used to brush those moments aside, wondering about whether it was my imagination....or just a faint recollection from something I'd been reading. But it's more than imagination. More than sentimental notions stemming from fatigue...

I've read several books and notes trying to answer 'why pray?' Some are from the perspective of "what's in it for me?", some from the perspective of theologians directly trying to answer the theorectial questions in a systematic manner. Popular books on the topic and old texts as well. While I'm willing to learn from all of those views, my heart simply enjoys those moments of simple fellowship when honest words are shared as an offering to Jesus.

So, from one of my favourite books:

Christ, the Son of God made man, is the Father's one perfect, and unsurpassable Word. In him he has said everything..... (CCC65)

Jesus, you are the eternal Word of God who comes to meet me in the Scriptures. Jesus, you are the Word made flesh, the bread of life, who nourishes me in the Eucharist. In you, Lord, I have everything.

Jesus is the Word to be spoken.
Jesus is the truth to be told.
Jesus is the was to be walked.
Jesus is the light to be lit.
Jesus is the life to be lived.
Jesus is the love to be loved...
Jesus is my life.
Jesus is my only love.
Jesus is my all in all.
Jesus is my everything.

(from a prayer by Mother Teresa)