[Dailydevo] Daily Devotion Tuesday March 21, 2006

[Barry Ludwig]

Daily Devotions Tuesday  March 21, 2006

The Daily Devotions are this week are written by Pastor Barry Ludwig. During
the season of Lent, the theme of Zion's Wednesday services (5 & 7pm) is
based upon our congregational set of values. Those values flow from the
person and name of Jesus (Justice, Energy to witness, Spiritual maturity,
Understanding the radical nature of Grace, Service to those in need). This
week we explore Spiritual Maturity.

 

1 Thessalonians 5:17

"pray continually.." 

 

Thought

He was a true "character," like a figure out of a Charles Dickens novel.  I
liked Bill, even if he was rough around the edges, because he was honest and
sincere.  While visiting him in the hospital following a serious surgery, I
asked if he would like to pray. When he responded, "Sure Padre, you go right
ahead,"  I knew that for Bill prayer was something that clergy did. I asked
him if prayer was a part of his life and with characteristic honesty he
said, "I only pray when I have to." Paul teaches us that prayer is about
relationship not about necessity.

 

Prayer in its most basic purpose and definition is a conversation. To be
able to share your joys and sorrows with someone you trust, is renewing.
Sharing your failings and shame with someone who loves you no matter what,
is cleansing. Bringing your worries and fears to someone you love who has
the strength to guide you through is assuring. Doing all of this with your
God who has created you and even died for you, is the "peace which passes
understanding."   Paul tells us to be in constant conversation with a God
who listens, who loves, and who acts with grace.  In such conversation,
comes spiritual growth and maturity

 

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