Keeping company with God

Prayer is fundamentally about a fostering a deep relationship with God. As Clement of Alexandria described it: "prayer is happy company with God.”

One of the greatest compliments we could ever be given is that we are people who keep company with God. Enoch was one of these people and it was mentioned that he walked faithfully with God.

Genesis 5:24 - "Enoch walked faithfully with God..."

Philip Yancey added another dimension to these powerful words by suggesting that 'prayer means keeping company with a God who is already present."

Action: How are you able to keep company with God today?

Living in Grace

D3LM3

God came near

"Let us realize how near he is, and that nothing escapes him, not our thoughts, or the plans we make." - Clement of Alexandria

I remember as a young Christian reading a book by Max Lucado entitled 'God came near' - it was a wonderful reminder of how God choose to enter our world. Jesus came near to humanity and brought us all the gift of Life - this was God's master stroke.

God realised that we were floundering and so instead of sending another angel, God decided to send himself. How brilliant is that?

So perhaps Clement was right - "nothing escapes God - not our thoughts or even our plans!' It's now up to us to realise how close God is to us!

Be blessed by God's grace today

Living in Grace
D3LM3

A New Old Prayer

In the first century Clement wrote the following prayer. In the second version of it, I have tried to modernise his words.

We beseech thee, Master, to be our helper and protector.
Save the afflicted among us; have mercy on the lowly;
raise up the fallen; appear to the needy; heal the ungodly;
restore the wanderers of thy people;
feed the hungry; ransom our prisoners;
raise up the sick; comfort the faint-hearted - (Clement of Rome, 1st Century)

"We ask you Lord, to help and protect us.

Rescue those of us who feel trapped by circumstances 

and have mercy on those who have no 'worldly status.'

Lift up those who have fallen;

Help the needy;

Heal even those people who deny you;

Bring home the prodigals;

Feed those who are hungry;

Pay 'bail' for those who are prisoners to sin;

May the sick experience better health;

Comfort those who feel anxious and afraid. Amen."

If this prayer is helpful for you, then please pray it and perhaps pass it onto someone in need.

May the God of peace be with you today.

Living in Grace

D3LM3