Having visited London this week, I was intrigued by the number of people who appear to be walking around speaking to themselves. I can’t quite work out if they are on their mobile phones or if they are praying out loud – I think it is quite probably the former rather than the latter. It is a funny habit that has grown up with the advent of the mobile phone; no longer are we unavailable in between places but we can be accessed 24/7 if we need to be. It is an example of how our lives are becoming faster and I suggest less stable.
There has of course always been a way to communicate twenty fours a day and that is by prayer (as mentioned above). I have encountered in my ministry some people who think that you can only pray or communicate with God when in church. Prayers can be offered up to God at any time and in any place. I have prayed with people in many different situations, many different places and at all hours of the day or night.
God is always happy to hear from us, whether that be in good situations or at times when we are at our lowest – and also in between those two. As we journey through the season of Advent, and as we reflect on our relationship with God, I hope you find time to offer up prayers. Of course, we may not get the answers we are expecting and we may not be answered straight away, but it is important that we talk to him and wait for his answers – keep talking!
May I wish you God’s blessing for the coming seasons of Advent and Christmas. Revd Graham
