December 7

Making Space for Prayer

“But you, when you pray, go into your inner room, close your door and pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you.”                                                                                                                  Matthew 6:6

I recently picked up a brochure in the spiritual center of a local hospital that referenced a “prayer space.”  It was referring to the hospital chapel as a special space, indeed a sacred space.  Other descriptors included “religious refuge” and a “haven for prayer.”

It brought to mind the reference in the New Testament to a prayer closet (or inner room).  Even when we don’t have a physical place that is private and quiet, we can create a space mentally and spiritually that allows us to commune with God at any time.  Making space for prayer can also refer to setting aside time out of our busy days to pause and pray.  It is possible to do this anywhere and at any time - if we make the conscious decision to do it.  Waiting in line at the bank or grocery store, stuck in traffic on the commute to work or back, in between chores around the house; all of these are opportunities for prayer.

Prayer:

Lord, remind us daily that we have the power to make space for prayer and that You delight in those moments when we turn our thoughts toward You, putting aside whatever distractions and concerns are competing for our time and attention.  All of that can fall away when we create space for You.  By making space on a regular basis, we open ourselves to a deeper and richer relationship with You, through your son, Jesus Christ.  Amen.