April 28th - Reflection

Colossians 4:2-5 (NRSV)
The new life in Christ

Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with thanksgiving. At the same time pray for us as well that God will open to us a door for the word, that we may declare the mystery of Christ, for which I am in prison, so that I may reveal it clearly, as I should.

Conduct yourselves wisely toward outsiders, making the most of the time.

Reflection
We have heard the good news. We have witnessed Jesus' life, his birth, his ministry, his passion and death on the cross for our sin, and finally we have witnessed his resurrection from the dead. That sentence from the Garden of Eden for our sin has been paid for us by God. Heaven is now open to us as we believe in all that God has done. Once again God has rescued his people.

So how important can it be to devote ourselves to prayer. Prayer is our time with God in conversation and existence with each other. Prayer is our relationship with God and each other. Look around and realize all that God has done for us. God feeds us both physically and spiritually. God provides for all of our needs. God gives our lives purpose and meaning. We live with one another in the love God has shown to us through Jesus. So we pray to God and for and with each other. We pray for our enemies and for all those things that seem to sour our lives.

We pray for those moments when we can proclaim to a hungry friend what God has done for us and for all people. We pray in the Holy Word of the Bible and learn and ponder how God is active in the lives of his people. We pray when we grasp the messages God gives through the Bible day by day. And we pray when a mystery or two happens to be opened to our human eyes and God's glory is revealed, even if we only get a peek.

Prayer and love for God and each other. Thanks be to God!

Prayer
Lord, I come to you this day in prayer. My life is a prayer to you of thanksgiving and praise and honor and glory for all you have done. Live with me this day that I may point all you give to me towards you. --- Amen