The Tribune

“PRAY always and do not lose heart” (Luke 18:1) is a direct word from the Lord for every generation. It is a reminder that this is the way to cope with the unexpected, the predictable and the overwhelming circumstances of life. If an unjust judge will succumb to the persistent requests of a desperate widow, how much more will a loving and just God respond to the desires of those whose petitions are in keeping with God’s holy will. We have to keep the faith and believe that a delay in the delivery is not a denial of love and care for us. Will the Son of Man find faith on Earth when he comes? If we, who are supposed to be Christians, keep the faith the answer to Jesus’ question (Luke 18:8) will be yes.

“Teach us to pray for your world and your Church” (BCP) is a part of the opening prayers at the beginning of every Anglican Eucharist. It is an acknowledgement that this is an important part of worship. Not only do we concern ourselves with our own challenges, but we remember the struggles and problems that others face around the world and within the Church. In March 2015 the world will be praying for us on the World Day of Prayer. Are you praying each day?

Holy Scripture is another vital ingredient in the Christian recipe for faithful living. These are the sacred writings that instruct us for salvation through faith in Jesus Christ “inspired by God and…useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that everyone who belongs to God may be proficient, equipped for every good work” (2 Tim. 14:15-17). Are you allowing yourself to be equipped?

The expounding of the Word of God through anointed preaching is usually the task of the minister, but the people may choose not to listen if it makes them too uncomfortable. If we do not want to turn from the truth and wander into myths, then we have to avail ourselves of the teaching and preaching that remind us to prepare for the unknown hour of the Lord’s return (2 Tim 4: 1-4). Are you preparing with great expectation?

To some degree, we are all evangelists who have a ministry to perform in service to the church in the name of the Lord. Are you carrying out your particular ministry fully? Do you persist in what God has called you to do whether the time is favourable or unfavourable? Are you a person of prayerful action?

There are people dying every day on our streets, in our hospitals and homes. Have we made an effort to share the love and grace of God with them as we rub shoulders with them daily? Are we offering to pray for those who seem to be brooding and withdrawn? Do we speak an encouraging word to those who are despairing or discouraged?

Like Jacob, let us wrestle as long as we have to with the temptations and trials that come our way, engaging in spiritual warfare until we gain a blessing (Genesis 32: 3-30).

There are times when material things are of no assistance to us, and we have to ‘send them on ahead’ as Jacob did, in order to face the harsh realities of our past, present and future. Afraid and distressed, we pray until we receive a break through. Pray always and do not lose heart is a timely word for all of us as we endure suffering and strive to help others.