Mathilda's Prayer Letters - January to March 2006
January 2006
The year 2005 has come and passed. It was not too long ago when we were preparing for millennium. Have you noticed the changes since then in the world, in the your home and life? Sit back and reflect where you were on 1st January 2000 and how that compares to today.
Sadly, the hearts of too many men and women in the world have changed to hate during those six years; the destruction of twin towers in New York City and other events on 7th September 2001, the bombings in London on 7th July 2005, and other signs of hatred.
Nevertheless try and also remember the joys, love, mercies and graces you received and gave to others, because we all share in God gifts we receive from him daily. Even those who do not acknowledge the Christian faith, still loves and cares as God blesses them. Christians who pray daily help by praying for people of all faith and none and see the changes occur.
Prayer
Lord, as we approach another year, we ask you to intervene in our world you give to us. Guide us O eternal Father into the way of truth as we approach another day, week, month, and year of the days which lie before us. Awake our hearts, minds, eyes, and ears to listen to you and in obedient response to your voice. Put the hope of eternity in our hearts that we might realise that we live not for self but the hope of your coming again to receive us unto yourself.
In your promise we wait that where you are we shall be also. Thank you for cleansing us and purifying us, from our sins, and forgiving us for our failures. Take us just as we are and make us what you would have us be that our life may be in Christ Jesus. Thank you for you presence with us is steadfast and you strengthen us in our weaknesses.
Help us to remember that your strength is made perfect every day in our weakness. To know our times are in your hands and know we cannot drift beyond your love and care. Let us remember every hour and day your love remains the same. The love you gave Christ for us is freely given and in all your might and power your everlasting arms are round and about t hose you love and care and would never let us go. We press forward Father to the time you give us with thankfulness, hope to do your will, peace to share your gospel message, knowledge to understand, and wisdom to administer your word. In the name of Christ. Amen
February 2006
Time goes by quickly and some people already broken their resolutions made for this New Year. Some have still to make theirs and some have no plans or aims. This month, we look forward for Valentine's Day.
The cold weather and the dark nights means we spend more times with our families. What do you do? Are you reading a good book? Doing puzzles? Chatting on your phone? Using the computer at night? As an alternative, may I suggest that you embark on a journey - a journey into God? It brings a renewal of understanding, new love, strength, purpose and refreshment. It is like cleansing before the springtime comes along. Our hearts rises with a new vision for the future with a fresh awareness for our Lord. It is preparation during the Lent. We receive blessings, grace and mercy from God.
Begin each day with this prayer as a preparation for spring and Easter.
Prayer
Loving Lord, give me a sense of drive that flows from you through me.
Send me your light in these dark days and nights.
On my journey help me to be still and know you are there with me.
There are times I want to repeal your invitation because I become afraid of your life in me.
I pray you circulate in me, for transformations in my life.
I ask your Holy Spirit to penetrate, flow and bring healing and wholeness.
In the name of Christ. Amen.
March 2006
We are looking forward for the changing of the clocks, Lent and Easter in April. We are looking forward to new growth and blossom on the trees. Flowers grow from the ground and new life blossoms all around us. The birds wake us up early. God pours His love and energy into His children looking for our beauty to be seen far and wide to all.
Yet how do others know who we are and what we stand for? Are you a Child of God one asks? Another asks are you a Christian? What does your Church stands for and what does it mean to you? Why these question? I ask something different and it only comes from knowing God and what he has done in Christ our Saviour. Is it? I have not noticed? Oh no, you can never notice, but others could for God radiate his love and grace for all.
Prayer
Creative God and Father of all, you create all things and you still bring forth new life.
Fill me with love to share, peace to comfort, mercy to give, hope to trust, forgiveness to pardon.
Help us to listen and not to judge.
Let us spring forth your joy, happiness and delight and the wonder of receiving your grace in Christ.
We make this prayer in His name, our risen Saviour. Amen.
April 2006
From this month, I begin a series of prayer letters on the theme of journeying with God.
Whatever our journey in life takes us, we prepare before travelling. On the journey, we check to see that we have everything. This month, the days become lighter. The long dark nights rest only for a while; the sun rises earlier and the nights are brighter. The clock have just gone forward giving us a longer day and the evenings are lighter so we can see more clearly. The flowers begin to blossom. The daffodils can be late because of the weather through the winter days, but now we have the joys of spring.
The Easter morn lies in the centre of this month. Christ is alive, bringing comfort. We know we do not travel alone. It is with our faith we travel through life and everyone has a story about his or her journey. Every journey to faith in Christ is different. We all made in the likeness of God yet, unique finding our own special ways both through faith with Christ, and using many different ways of travelling. Let us all journey back from the darkness into God's marvellous light and encounter the risen Saviour.
Pause, close your eyes and think of where you are on your journey now with Christ and your neighbours, family and friends. Say this Prayer and feel the power of God journeying with you.
Prayer
Lighten my darkness Heavenly Father.
Let your grace and mercy guard my feet along my way from all the mishaps of the day, and all the dangers of the night.
Lord Jesus Christ let me feel your spirit near. Amen
For all Mathilda's prayer letters... Prayer 1 Prayer 2 Prayer 3 Prayer 4