Mathilda's Prayer Letters - May to August 2006
May 2006
I continue the theme of journeying with God which I started in last month's prayer letter.
We can smell the sweet flowers blooming, hear the roaring of the seas, see children out playing as we journey along with God. The light is a happy experience, because not too long ago it was so dark that all we did is sit at home not wanting to travel anywhere. The excitement of planning to go on holidays, travelling to the heights of the mountains or to the lowest paths of the seas, going shopping, or travelling abroad is joy and happiness.
Our journey of coming to faith and meeting with the risen Saviour is also exciting, dramatic, and powerful. The Ethiopian eunuch on his journey met with Peter and asked for baptism (Acts 8:26-40). Saul's journey to Damascus changed the history of our understanding of God through Christ our Lord (Acts 9). Peter’s journey with Christ carried him to see Christ on the cross for us and beyond, receiving the Power of God through the Holy Spirit.
Our Christian journey is through the same Spirit and we need to have that awareness of the same relationship with Father God in Christ as we pray to him and watch our life changed travelling to where God would lead us. Let us be remembering we are not travelling alone and help someone on our way. The most powerful way in our journey is through prayer.
Prayer
Lord God, of life and power who made all things new, grant I pray your light on my journey.
Renew my faith, increase my hope, and strengthen me with your love.
Let me live by every word of your Son.
Let me feel your nearness on my journey as you journey with me.
Through the grace and mercy of Christ my risen Lord. Amen.
June 2006
Whatever our journey there are set backs most times; the bus, train, car or plane is late or delayed for reasons which we cannot do any thing about. It means we have to leave early to compensate for the delays.
In our life's journey time is essential. When we make a declaration of our faith and decide to follow Christ on the journey, we have to make our commitment, and affirm the faith. When we go on a journey, we have to make preparations. So too as we move on with Christ in faith. The Christian journey is rich and meaningful for the whole of our life - not just a part of it. Never think it would be a smooth journey, but always be sure the Holy Spirit is with you and He will lead the way.
Prayer
Eternal God and Father, thank you for the gift of your Holy Spirit.
Thank you for your written word. Let it be a light to my feet.
As I journey through faith, be my strength and salvation.
Take me and use me to love and serve in the power of your Holy Spirit.
In the name of your Son Christ Jesus my Lord and Saviour. Amen
July 2006
What does it mean to be a Christian in today's world, and how does one cope as a Christian?
We live with different nations in our society and share different things together. We feel free to speak and understand each other cultures. Yet, believe in different things. It is amazing how God works through humankind and brings understanding, love, peace, and loving kindness. Christianity means to be in a close and growing in relationship with Father God, Christ Jesus and the Holy Spirit. We could only do this by daily Bible reading, sharing fellowship and friendship with others and in prayer spending quality time with God. We need to build a relationship with God to be able to build one with others. Christ's relationship with the Father is prayer and our relationship with the Father is prayer. Let your inner being built on prayer and build up a relationship that will help you to live and cope in a society, a world where you find a Christian life hard to live.
The Lord is just in all his ways, and faithful in all his dwellings.
The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call to him in truth.
He will fulfil the desire of those that fear him will hear their cry and save them.
The Lord preserves all those who love him and let all people bless the Lord for ever and ever. Amen.
August 2006
This is a time when most people relax go on their vocation, find a good book to read, go mountain climbing, or go to the seaside. They even travel miles to ensure their time is not interrupted. At this time you may not see a T V, read the daily newspaper but do something different instead. Why not take a few prayers with you and find some quality time for God and time for your self. Here are a few prayers take with you to read, learn and see the difference it makes this time on your vocation.
Prayers
Father God, you are all powerful and our ever-living God who is always near to us and we worship and praise your Holy name. It is indeed right to praise you. It is our joy and salvation to worship and magnify you; always and everywhere to give you thanks for what you has done for us in and through your son Christ Jesus and our Lord. Amen.
Gracious God, source of our being of order and form, inspire me in my daily life through work, rest, friendship, and family life that I may constantly seek your guidance, acknowledge your presence with me. May I daily strive to serve you faithfully, by sharing your love with strangers whom I will meet and in loving others I can show your love to them. Amen.
Christ let my body be yours, my hand to toil for you, my feet to walk for you. Christ let my eyes be yours, through which I must see and be compassionate. Christ let my feet be yours, which I could do some good, in your name. Christ let my hands be yours, and use them to bless people always. Amen.
Thank you to Mathilda for all her prayer letters. This is the last letter in this format.
For all Mathilda's prayer letters... Prayer 1 Prayer 2 Prayer 3 Prayer 4