Christian Reflection and Prayer

Scripture:

"I am praying not only for these disciples but also
for all who will ever believe in Me through their
message. I pray that they will all be one, just as You
and I are one-as You are in Me, Father, and I am in
You. And may be in Us so that the world will believe
You sent Me. (John 17:20-21).

Reflections:

I think it's interesting to note, when we are at our
spiritual best, we are sensitive to the  needs of others.
We pray easily and frequently. But when we are
stressed out, we can hardly think about anyone but
ourselves. Here we see Jesus Christ in the Garden of
Gethsemane, He was preparing Himself for His
destiny---death on a cross. Jesus knew what he was
about to go through, he knew all the pain, all the
suffering, all the ridicule, He was about to go through.
At this most stressful moment, He prayed for you and
for me! He already had us in mind. He prayed that all
his followers would be united as one and would spread
His message to others you see Jesus always has us
on His mind. I would like to suggest that you take time
to thank Jesus for His intimate attention to you.
In John 20: verse 24 Jesus states, "Father, I want
these whom You have given Me to be with Me where
I am. Then they can see all the glory You gave Me
because You loved  Me even before the world began!"
Jesus glory is partially visible in this life by all believers
but our vision of his glory will be greatest when He
comes again. Jesus concluded His prayer where He
began-speaking of coming for His own to bring them to
there designated rooms in His Fathers house. Believers
are not bothersome intruders in heaven. Rather, when
they occupy their assigned places and behold the Sons
glory, it will be just what the Father and Son have always
desired.

Prayer:

Almighty God thank you always being there for me.
Thank you Jesus, when at the most stressful time in Your
life, you thought of me and prayed for me. Thank you for
always being there for me.  
In Jesus name Amen!

“But blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD, whose
confidence is in him.” — Jeremiah 17:7

When we live our lives with faith, we will be able to thrive
in any circumstance. Faith is the water that nourishes
our roots, our soul, and allows us to flourish whatever
the situation. We are grateful for the good in our lives
and use our blessings well. We understand that even
the challenges are blessings, for it is through them that
we grow.

The choice is ours: we can plant ourselves in a desert,
or in the luscious grounds of faith. Just like trees, it is
where we live that determines how we will grow.

With prayers for shalom, peace,
Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein

Scripture:

"Cast your burden on the Lord, and He shall sustain
you". Psalm 55:22

Reflection:

I know that in some of my past reflections, I have told
you about my problems with alcohol. With the help of
God and A A, I have been able to stay sober since 1978.
The one prayer that I remember saying with my brothers
and sisters was this prayer; "God grant me the serenity
to accept things I cannot change, the courage to change
the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference."
" This very important prayer expresses a necessary
thought, and that is "we should all pray-and live".

I realize now that there are some things in life that cannot
be changed, and some can. Some things God has given
to us as fixed realities that yes we must accept. And
some things He would have us not accept, but with his
help we work to change. If we fail to do both of these, to
accept some things and work to change others, I am
convinced we will end up heavily burdened with worry,
certainly undeserved guilt, and exhaustible frustration.

Someone once said, "Worry is the interest paid on
trouble before it comes to." But instead God wants us
to trust Him". "Cast your burden on the Lord and He will
sustain you."

Prayer:

O Lord right here and now I give you my burden because
Lord I know You will sustain me. I trust in You, I know
that You are there for me. Thank You Lord for taking my
burdens away from me. "God grant me the serenity
to accept things I cannot change, the courage to change
the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference".
AMEN!