Chaplain

Pause to Pray…

If you ever want to be encouraged just listen to the prayers of children. They are invariably honest, heartfelt and open. Compassionate and kind and all that is beautiful in the world. Simultaneously they can also at times be wildly amusing, totally inappropriate and awkward. I suspect either way God is delighted to hear them. 

You may be reading this as a person who prays often, never prays or somewhere in between. This week we invite you to dip your toe into the ocean of prayer or dive deep and refresh your commitment to pray often or to keep our ocean analogy going – perhaps this time you would prefer to watch from the shore. Whatever your connection to prayer is, it is important to note that the call to connect with God is always there and the welcome is assured. 

A Year 4 student in response to the Parable of the Prodigal Son recently thought that the image that best suited the story was a door. The door is the entrance to God’s love with a sign that reminds people that this door is always open. 

This is a good image to picture as we begin to pray. The door is always open. 

Romans 12:12 reminds us to  “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” These verses are nestled in the context of a Chapter of the Bible where we are called to love in action and remind us of the joy that can come from knowing God. Prayer is one way we can care for others. Spending time talking to God about others invariably connects us not only to God but to each other. 

While obviously Jesus is the master teacher where prayer is concerned. This week let’s also consider how children pray to give us a few tips too. 

Children pray like this:

1. Relationally – it is to someone who hears them not just random positive statements or wishes. Dear God, opening up a conversation. 
2. Relevant – They always talk to God about what matters to them and others right then and there. 
3. Rich – With gratitude and appreciation

So no matter if you pray at church, home, a nature walk or even in the midst of helping your child log onto their learning this week – pray.  

We will pray too – that you would know the peace and comfort and joy in your individual circumstance. 

As always please let us know if we can pray for you and your family or assist you in any way.

Ms Bronwyn Lihou
Senior Campus Chaplain
blihou@redlands.nsw.edu.au
9909 3133

Ms Fiona McKenzie
Junior Campus Chaplain
fmckenzie@redlands.nsw.edu.au
9953 6022