Meditation

Read Jeremiah 29:10-14—Jeremiah 29:12 (NIV)

The Lord says, “You will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.”

One night I suddenly woke up at midnight and spent two hours trying to get back to sleep. Unresolved problems and burdens from the previous days were preventing me from peaceful sleep. Then I remembered something from one of my pastor’s sermons. He said, “If any night you find you cannot sleep, pray. It is a privilege and gift to talk with God.”

In the silence of the night, I started to pray and tell God many things. It was very enjoyable. I was talking about my family, friends, desires, and plans. And when I told god about my problems and burdens, I felt as if all of them were gone. My heart felt light and filled with joy and peace.

I soon fell asleep again. When I woke up the next morning, I knew that I had experienced a very special and valuable moment when I realized how close God always is to me—just a prayer away.

Prayer—Dear God, thank you for always hearing us when we pray and for being with us in every situation. We pray as your Son taught us, saying, “Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. They kingdom come. They will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.” (Matt. 6:9-13, KJV).

Thought for the Day—Prayer can change everything.

Meliana Santoso (East Java, Indonesia)