Dear Ones,
What a wonderful blessing to be on retreat and have no responsibilities but to just have time with the Lord. We have a beautiful setting as we can even view the lake from our bed because of the huge cathedral windows. I am the first one awake in the morning and can have my coffee as I look out on the quiet lake surrounded by trees. We were given an assignment when we came and spent time yesterday together in discussion, sharing and prayer, as well as time alone with the Lord, walks and simply sitting by the lake.
Devotions from Judy’s heart and more on prayer
Lately I have been reading about prayer… talking to the Lord and engaging Him and all that He is. I love the Psalms and it is like a textbook for prayer and covers all the emotions we may have as we go through our daily lives. It is so wonderful to also know that Jesus is not just listening to us but is praying for us. As it says in John 17:9, “I pray for them. I do not pray for the world but for those whom you have given Me, for they are Yours.”

We can always be honest with the Lord in our prayers for He can read our hearts and knows us better than we know ourselves. We don’t need to pretend but can be our true selves with Him, even when we seem out of sorts. He listens to us and if we are honest with Him, He can change us out of our own selfish worlds into His spacious world of love.  It can change how we think and live and help us to participate in what He has for our lives. Even when we are at the office or busy with the demands of our children, we can be communicating with the Lord.

It’s especially important to be prayerful as we read the Bible. We are to see ourselves in the stories and not just judge others who blow it, but rather asking if we are like that one that is prideful? Judgmental? Vindictive etc.? It’s important that we live what we read in the Word. If we prayerfully read the Bible and ask Him to form our life according to His Word, our lives will be lived from our true self. We can relax and live according to His promptings without trying to take over in our own strength. May we desire to live such a life and be like Mary who said, “Let it be according to your Word.

Challenge for today: Read the Bible prayerfully, listen and remember you are being spoken to and follow with obedience.
Blessings on your day and prayers and love, Judy