God is with you: are you with Him?

I'm writing this on the train to Marylebone, en route to Moorfields hospital for an eye check up. Soothing iPod music blocks the intrusive mobile phone conversations around me. Enjoying the glorious countryside that floats past, my mind wanders: I wonder who will see me today? Not my favourite, Mr Ramkissoon who got to know me well: he has moved on to another department. Maybe Mr Sullivan, the Consultant, the top man: brilliant, skilful, incisive, compassionate. But I'm slightly in awe of him, he's a bit like God - uh-oh: is that how I see God: intimidatingly competent and a bit remote? No, I don't; I honestly don't. When I stop to think, I know I have a deep sense of God as loving Father, Jesus as friend and brother, the Spirit nearer to me than my breath: God in the (today happily empty) seat beside me. But that thought popping unbidden into my mind, sharply reminds me how much nonsense I absorb from the background chatter of life. The Jesus I meet through the Bible and in my daily experience consistently draws me to the Father, shares my joys and sorrows, and brings me more holistic well-being than the very good doctor, Mr Sullivan, ever can. I remember the time I turned up at Moorfields for an op, foolishly having had breakfast (because no-one had told me not to), to discover that I was scheduled for a morning op on a day chock-a-block with ops, and that they could not operate because they could not anaesthetise me unless my stomach was empty. As I sat, feeling very small, the phone rang: an afternoon op cancelling due to illness. I could take that slot. Mr Sullivan looked at me: 'They do say the Lord moves in mysterious ways' he said. I shrugged happily, 'they certainly do!' And later, I remembered the anointing with oil and prayers of my friends at St Peter's the day before.

Whatever you are facing as you read this, know that the Lord is no remote God, but is right beside you, waiting for you to block out the often inane background chatter of life, and to turn to Him in friendship.

Lent is a great time to practise this. It's an invitation to create a bit of space in our lives to give God our full attention. If you don't pray regularly, why not give it a go from now until Easter - just 5 minutes a day. If you do pray regularly, try adding 5 more minutes a day.

You don't know how to pray? That's a good start! Prayer is not a self-taught skill, but a gift from God. So light a candle: the flame a reminder of God's energy there for you. Then apply a bit of TCP to your life: say Thank you for what is good, say sorry (Confession) where you have messed up, and Please where help is needed. Then enjoy the Lord's medicine doing you good.

With best wishes

Kate

The Christian reply to the atheists:
see “Inside Corner” on page 3.


Cassandra and friends in the snow; more snowy pictures by Norman Biddington on page 8