To begin our discussion, let us first define prayer and meditation.
Prayer is a solemn request for help or an expression of thanks to God or an object of worship. Meditation is defined as a habitual process of training your mind to focus; or a redirection of your thoughts. Meditation is used to increase one’s awareness of self and surroundings. Prayer is a simple conversation. It does not have to be convoluted or complicated. It is about connecting with someone or something higher than one’s self.
Millions of people around the world today pray and meditate. Prayer and meditation have always been important, however they have taken on a brand new dimension in the age of Covid-19. Many people are looking for someone or something they can depend on for help. Someone they can trust, someone who will see them through thick and thin. That someone for me is Jesus Christ.
Prayer and meditation are like two bookends. They go hand and hand. Not only is it important that we pray and meditate, but it’s just as important what we pray and meditate on. If we concentrate on the wrong things, i.e. our problems or negativity, it can cause us to go deeper into despair. Do not misunderstand. I am not saying that we do not need to deal with our problems or situations, but we should not allow them to consume us. We must pray and meditate on God’s word - concentrating on his goodness. If we do that, we will find that a release occurs within us. There is a release from anxiety, a release from stress and frustration. Prayer and meditation keep us grounded and focused. It reminds us of just how blessed we truly are. It gives us the hope and strength to hold on. We are able to develop a clear perspective on our circumstances.
As we actively engage in the practice of prayer and meditation, we do not have time to develop tunnel vision. We don't have time to wallow in our problems. The world does not appear so closed and narrow. We are able to find light in some of the darkest moments in our lives. The old hymn of the church still rings true even in this day and age: “Just a little talk with Jesus makes it alright." So when you are feeling like you can not go on and you want to throw in the towel have a little talk. When you need a friend who will be with you until the end have a little talk. Prayer still works and prayer still changes things.
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