The Fruit of Silence Is Prayer

    Other than a few hectic days, I must admit that this has been a calm and calming season. Thanks to all of you who have prayed for and encouraged me and others in the journey to a quiet, renewing, Christ-centered experience instead of a “hurry-up” Christmas holiday. I continue to read about walking the simple path and wish to share part of those travels with you. I left you with these words last month:

The fruit of silence is PRAYER.
The fruit of prayer is FAITH.
The fruit of faith is LOVE.
The fruit of love is SERVICE.
The fruit of service is PEACE.

      Together, let’s listen for some words about prayer. Mother Theresa speaks of prayer in this way… “Prayer feeds the soul — as blood is to the body, prayer is to the soul — and it brings you closer to God.” She goes on to say that those searching for God, and do not know where to turn, should turn first to prayer. Learn to pray, she says, and take the trouble to pray every day. 
      We are encouraged to start and end our days with prayer. Pray as children pray — give thanks to God for all of God’s gifts. Before going to bed each night, make an examination of your conscience. Ask for forgiveness, remembering always that God’s mercies are new every day. Pray for others. Pray for self. 
      Her words remind us that children need to learn to pray, and the best models they have are parents. One of Mother Theresa’s friends puts it this way… “It is from the family that the child is supposed to get the first spiritual formations, and within the family it is meant to be nurtured and to grow.” 
      Silence is a necessary part of prayer. In our world of constant motion, we often try to fill the emptiness of our lives with “things.” But there is a spiritual emptiness within us that only God can fill. The quiet times of our lives allow God to enter that empty space and strengthen our relationship with our Creator. 
      Finally, we are encouraged to pray often because prayer makes the heart large enough to receive God’s gift of self to us. 
      I pray that you also had a blessed season and hope that you look toward the new year with peace and hope, remembering always that the Lord, Emmanuel, is with you.

Christ’s peace and my love,
Rev. Sherry Holloman,
Associate Pastor