Holy Intermissions November 9, 2015

Read Colossians 4:2-6

Colossians 4:2      Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.

Mark 13:33     Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come.

Acts 1:14     They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.

Ephesians 6:18     And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord's people.

As I was growing up in church, we used to sing a hymn about a “sweet hour of prayer.”* But whenever I tried to pray for an hour, I failed — and I felt defeated.

As an adult I no longer try to pray for 60 minutes. What helps me are short periods of time with God. Several times a day, I set aside five or ten minutes to focus on my Lord. During one of these brief interludes, I read The Upper Room. Another time I’ll read a psalm and listen to what the Lord is saying to me. These “intermissions” become even more meaningful as I look around at God’s marvelous creation. I hear the birds and notice the beauty of flowers, and I praise God for these wonderful works. If I am distracted by anxious thoughts, I take a moment to count 10 blessings in my life and voice my gratitude to God.

These moments of renewal help me to see each day as God’s gift — and my need to honor God on that day. As I continue these spiritual practices, I experience the renewing and nurturing touch of the Spirit of God.

*William W. Walford, “Sweet Hour of Prayer,” 1845