Prayer

I pray in the strangest of places sometimes. I pray when I am driving in the car or in the shower, as the water running over me reminds me of how I was washed clean when I was baptized. I pray at my desk in the office. I also pray at the “usual” times and in the “usual” places. I pray at church, at mealtime, before bed. I pray with confidence that no matter when or where I pray, God is listening.

I think sometimes we get hung up on how and where we should pray. Let’s face it, in the Old Testament there are lots of rules around that kind of thing.

In this passage God is talking about the blessing of Solomon’s temple, and making it a holy place for God to dwell. The temple was a place for prayer, repentance and forgiveness. Things change, and when Jesus died on the cross, all places became holy. I believe that we are no longer bound by the four walls of a church or other place of worship for God to hear our prayers. We are free to pray wherever and however we choose and God will listen.

Holy God, hear the prayers of your children, and know that we trust in your mercy. Amen. — GB