Handle with Prayer
Now Peter and John were going up to the temple at the ninth hour, the hour of prayer. Acts 3:1
Over the years, I couldn’t begin to tell you the number of times I have seen packages marked, “Handle with Care” positioned at various locations whether it be at the post office at Christmas time or a UPS package delivered to my front door. Interestingly, I have a prized possession hanging in my office at the church which reminds me of God’s care for his fragile creation.
It is a little banner-like strip of tapestry about three feet long embroidered with flowers set against a light greet background featuring these words: “Life is Fragile, Handle with Prayer.” And positioned strategically at the bottom of the tapestry is a little bird’s nest housing 3 white eggs in perfect condition.
In Peter and John’s day, “the ninth hour of prayer” was 3 p.m. in the afternoon and associated with the evening sacrifice held at the temple. My friend, life is fragile. We all watched closely as Hurricane Matthew hugged the eastern coast of the United States this past weekend. Do you have a time and place to pray? God eagerly waits to hear from you.
Sweet hour of prayer! sweet hour of prayer! that calls me from a world of care, and bids me at my Father’s throne make all my wants and wishes known. In seasons of distress and grief, my soul has often found relief, and oft escaped the tempter’s snare by thy return, sweet hour of prayer! (William Walford, 1845).
Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving. Paul, Colossians 4:2
Pastor Louie