Every human being stands alone in life’s mystery. No other person will completely feel like we do, think like we do, or act like we do. As much as our human family and community may help us or abandon us at times in this journey, hear Jesus call your name and it will feel like love, like home. Our life is not a mystery to him, but a daily revealing to us.
Prayer has been a part of my daily adult life for several years. Prayer is my “alone” conversation with Jesus, for help in managing the mystery of my life. I prefer it best in quiet solitude so that the distractions of my life can be put aside for a bit. Much of the time, my prayers are focused on how I can better apply the gifts I have been given.
People I love and those who love me have also taught me to pray in thanksgiving for my blessings and those of others. And, admittedly, I sometimes pray for things I want to ease my burdens. Interestingly, I’ve noticed that answered prayers sometimes come disguised as something else that only the passage of time fully reveals.
This prayer solitude is usually in the dawn of my day or the quietness of the early evening. Sometimes it is in the dark hours of the night. I remind myself: “Christ Jesus, your light shines within me; let not my darkness or despair speak to me.” It is a fierce struggle to want to give up or run away, instead of giving in and turning to Jesus.
Prayer a bedrock to living fully into the mystery of life. In Paul’s letter to the disciples in the city of Philippi, he instructed them to not fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Pray hard and often. It is essential for our lives. Lift concerns to God in Christ Jesus, in a context of praises for all God has done and promises to do in his wholeness with creation.
