Either you look at the universe as a very poor creation out of which no one can make anything or you look at your own life and your own part in the universe as infinitely rich, full of inexhaustible interest opening out into the infinite further possibilities for study and contemplation and interest and praise. Beyond all and in all that is God. (Thomas Merton, The Intimate Merton)

This quotation begins one of the chapters in a book Birthed in Prayer: Pregnancy as Spiritual Journey that someone kindly gave to me. The book is designed for women who are pregnant and their partners as they live into a time of great change. It has been a thoughtful and beautiful gift.

Not all of us experience pregnancy. But, we do all undergo times of transition and change throughout our lives. And, our prayer lives sometimes reflect those changes as well.

In a conversation with our Confirmation class, we discussed the 1st commandment and what it means to, as Luther writes in his Small Catechism, “fear, love, and trust God above all things.” Is it easier to trust God when all is going well? Or when life seems to be falling apart? In moments, weeks, months, years of times of transition, how does your prayer life change? How is your trust in God strengthened and deepened? Do you feel farther from God or nearer?

Since prayer is conversation with God, it is about relationship with God. All relationships have their ups and downs. But, relationships deepen over time-through periods of strain and challenge and times of shared joy. Through cancer treatments, a big move, the addition of children, the care for parents, the job layoff, the treatment for addiction, the beginning of a new venture, God is present with you and ready to listen. You may or may not feel God’s presence, but regardless, you have the promise that you are always accompanied by a God who was willing to give everything for you.

Let us pray . . . Ever-present God, we thank you for the gift of prayer. As our lives change, continue to accompany, inspire, and guide us. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Contributed by Pastor Becky
Monday October 20, 2014
Liturgical Year A: Week 47
Liturgical Color: Green
Sunday Gospel reading: Proper 24
Twenty-Second Sunday after Pentecost