Twenty-ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time

“Jesus told disciples always to  pray and not lose heart.”

Jesus wanted his followers to develop a close relationship with God The Father through prayer; “the rising of the heart and mind to God”, as the old Penny Catechism put it.

For me, prayer is not just the TAPS – the thanking, asking, praising and saying sorry. It includes many phatic statements about my experiences and feelings. I see my life as walking arm in arm with Jesus Christ as I live each day, often surrounded by ugly news on the media, and some unpleasant people around me.

This time of year, as trees change their garments from green to brown and yellow, I keep my eyes peeled congratulate God for the delightful artistry of his creation.

I know I am never alone. My relationship with God prevents me losing heart as I progress through space-time on my journey to eternity.

One thing I never ask for are blessings from God because I am convinced that God is always blessing us; so, I encourage people to open their hearts and recognise God’s blessings.

Many years ago, one of my congregation at All Saints Pastoral Centre - 1991-2011 - came to me and said that she had been praying to God to help her and that God had done nothing. 

I said something like, “but you seem to be coping all right. How do you manage?” “Oh, I have lots of friends who help me.” To which I replied “Those friends are blessings sent by God to help you. Thanks God for them!”

God, like gravity, is everywhere – and as silent. The Blessed Trinity tends not to draw attention to their divine presence. However, when we realise it,  our lives are enriched and our hearts remain in fine fettle.

So, keep praying.