Prayer

I have often wondered when people who have “quiet times” actually have them. I live in a retirement complex and, though retired, never have any quiet times! The morning starts at 6 when my alarm rings for my first pill of the day. After that, it’s pretty hectic. A carer helps me to shower and get dressed. I walk to the dining room using my wheeler and followed by a carer three times a day. Some days, I have pics taken of my hands and feet, and my vitals are checked every morning before breakfast. I am weighed once a month. Then a carer comes and asks, “Do you want your nails done? Another asks, “Must I water your pot-plants?” 

I am the matriarch of a large family including six great grandchildren. Unusually for South Africa, none of them have emigrated, all are Christians and live nearby. Visits from them are lovely and looked for. My day includes writing Christian novels (See www.christian-life-poetry.com, Go to Menu at top of page, to Writing and drop down to Other Writings.) I am currently writing three short novels simultaneously. Being very interested in politics, I spend an hour keeping up to date, and then reply to messages on my pc because my arthritic hands can’t use my cell. For relaxation, I watch videos, my favourites being Grand Designs and Steve Marsh on Youtube. He is a Scot and visits places my ancestors came from. There is no time for my Quiet Time! This is because my Quiet Time takes two and a half hours and I don't want it interrupted. So, I set my alarm for 2.30 am. It is very quiet. Dead quiet. I sit in my armchair with a soft lamp on behind me, clasp my hands and pray. Jesus gave his disciples the wonderful Lord’s Prayer. I base my prayer on it, amplifying it to cover requests and interests. It is more or less the same every night, but I know Our Father listens because sometimes I get instant ideas or solutions. This blog is an example! I had no idea what to write, and then there it was!  
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Our Father which art in Heaven. Hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: for Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. (Matthew 6:9-13)