Prayer Matters

December 21st is the longest day of darkness in our calendar. It is our winter solstice, the official start of winter, though cold temperatures usually settle in by then. I never really appreciate the light that we have (especially in Texas!) until I’m immersed in total darkness. My soul yearns for earlier sunrises and later sunsets, and an opportunity to soak up the sun.

There can be periods in our life where our prayer lives reflect the balance of light and darkness in our world. Absence of prayer in my life lets the darkness creep in. Along with darkness come dark thoughts that cloud out the vision of God’s Light in my life. The presence of prayer in my life is the lamp that God turns on in my soul to expose the darkness and bring me further into his marvelous light. When I feel particularly negative, pessimistic, with small thinking and small believing, I notice that my prayer life is nominal. When my prayer life is burgeoning, I’m better able to see what God is up to in my life, and how can I keep from rejoicing?!

In this season of Christmas and (soon) Epiphany, we celebrate the Light in the face of darkness. We celebrate the truth that the Christ-child brings into our world—that we are NOT abandoned by God, that darkness does NOT rule the day, that God is working to give us a new life by putting his Light in us. When you’re feeling down, particularly negative, and moody, stop and pray. Light will rush forth into your life when you do (and I’m sure others would be grateful for that!).

I’m praying for Light in your Life!