Neville Turley

Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer!  In despair and far from home I call to you! Psalm 61:1-2 (GNB)

Jonah was in trouble and terrified. Trapped in the belly of a fish, the reluctant prophet who would rather sleep in the ship's hold than pray, now turned to God and prayed.

Prayer is often the last resort of a person on the brink of death. It should be the first priority in the life and witness of all who follow Christ.

Throughout his ministry our Lord who led a perfect life, kept in close communication with the Heavenly Father. We, who follow in his footsteps, should be doing the same.

God loves us. He is always willing to listen to what we have to say. How remiss of us to neglect talking to Him.

We look after our health to the best of our ability. If we need chronic medication daily, we will conscientiously ensure that we do whatever our doctor prescribes. Prayer is the chronic therapy we regularly need to keep our spiritual life in tip-top condition. Yet, so often we fail miserably to do what our Lord Jesus prescribes.

Sometimes God gives a person a final chance to turn to him.  That was the experience of the thief crucified on the cross alongside Jesus.  He turned to our Lord and said: “Remember me, Jesus, when you come as King!” Jesus said to him, “I promise you that today you will be in Paradise with me.” (Luke 23:42-43)

We cannot be sure that we will be given that same opportunity before we die.  The time to turn to God in prayer is now.

The more we pray the closer we will grow to the Heavenly Father through his Son, our Lord Jesus Christ.

What a rich heritage Christians have, to be able to regularly talk with God in prayer. We are blessed beyond measure.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, we praise and glorify you. May the Holy Spirit inspire us to draw closer to you each day. This I pray in Jesus name.  Amen