Prayer

How do you speak to God, confide in Him all your fears and wishes, without reference to the dreaded 'self'? The fact is, God already knows them; perhaps just going before Him with an empty mind, open hands and contrite heart - He will speak. For only then can we be rest assured that our own thoughts and desires have not taken over, corrupting His influence in our lives. If we have forgiven those around us, we can be confident that he will answer our unspoken prayer. Indeed, we merely need to express our thanks.

If salvation was simply the means, to preserve self, then surely all is in vain. For forgiveness is a new life. No longer need we turn 'inwards', examine our doubts, fears and apprehensions. Neither should we be concerned with the deficiencies of others. This is the Good News - ALL sins in ALL time have been forgiven - except the one that despises God's Love. Therefore, even if we slip, fall or turn aside God will steady us, pick us up or redirect us. The temptation is to credit ourselves with these fortunes:

"We ASKED God into our lives......................... "

"We have OBEYED Your will............................ "

"We THANK You for cleansing us................ ... "

"Oh Lord, how we PRAISE you......................... "

If we turn to God, this alone is due to God's Spirit working within us. We can only help ourselves by NOT helping! By leaving God to get on with it, trust His judgement ­accepting fate with all its triumphs and disappointments.