At All Times

1 Thessalonians 5:15-17 – Always seek to do good to one another and to all. Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances.

The poor woman did recover. At least I think she recovered. She met me in the lobby of the hospital while she was checking in for surgery. We talked for awhile and as a casual conversation-ender she said, "Pray for me." So I did. Yes, right there in the lobby with people pressing by us on every side, and in that brief moment of prayer I asked God to be with her, bless her time in the hospital, give her courage and assurance and a quick recovery.

She later told me she was somewhat surprised that we would pray with all those people around but that she felt strengthened by it.

The bible invites us to make prayer a vital part of our life. Prayer surprises us time and again. I think Living Faith brings us to the centre of the issue: "As we commune with God through Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit enables us to express our deepest longings, and we experience the sustaining power of God's presence."

As you go about your day and the rest of your week, I hope you will know and experience the sustaining power of God's presence through prayer.

Prayer: God of health and healing, we bring our prayers to you today, prayers for wholeness and healing and health for ourselves and for those who are in need. We ask that your presence and peace might be with all who today are in hospitals and other places of healing, and we pray in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.