September 3rd - Reflection

Colossians 4:7-17 (NRSV)
A faithful and beloved brother

Tychicus will tell you all the news about me; he is a beloved brother, a faithful minister, and a fellow servant in the Lord. I have sent him to you for this very purpose, so that you may know how we are and that he may encourage your hearts; he is coming with Onesimus, the faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They will tell you about everything here.

Aristarchus my fellow prisoner greets you, as does Mark the cousin of Barnabas, concerning whom you have received instructions - if he comes to you, welcome him. And Jesus who is called Justus greets you. These are the only ones of the circumcision among my co-workers for the kingdom of God, and they have been a comfort to me. Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ Jesus, greets you. He is always wrestling in his prayers on your behalf, so that you may stand mature and fully assured in everything that God wills. For I testify for him that he has worked hard for you and for those in Laodicea and in Hierapolis. Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas greet you. Give my greetings to the brothers and sisters in Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her house. And when this letter has been read among you, have it read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and see that you read also the letter from Laodicea. And say to Archippus, "See that you complete the task that you have received in the Lord."

Reflection
This passage makes me think of the power of prayer. We can connect on so many levels through prayer. One may not know that you are praying for them, but we are all united in the same Father, Son and Spirit. Prayer reaches out in love  to those we pray for. We ask guidance, safety, health, well being, and encouraged hearts through prayer. We go to God over and over in prayer for one another and ourselves. And God touches lives through prayer. As God provides the words needed and the thoughts and the sounds and the smells and the tastes that fill our lives through prayer. Prayer with God and one another goes beyond the physical to the spiritual and permeates space and time. So, say hello to God, to each other, in person and through prayer. It's our way of connecting and a wonderful gift from God. Thanks be to God!

Prayer
Lord, teach me to pray...    --- Amen