tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6329600504016968888.post8878003147577406947..comments2024-03-27T15:47:46.091-05:00Comments on Pastoral Meanderings: Quiet time in worship. . .Pastor Petershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10653554256101480140noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6329600504016968888.post-58132654472296423872014-04-02T13:37:46.554-05:002014-04-02T13:37:46.554-05:00Do not be so troubled. When Jesus preached to the ...Do not be so troubled. When Jesus preached to the people, do you not realize there were occasions when coughing was heard, someone spoke to the person next to them, a child probably cried, somebody dropped something, a donkey may have sounded off. When Jesus was praying with His disciples, don't you think there were times when an Apostle was inattentive, distracted by the banging of dishes in the nearby cooking area, or some drunk may have been singing in the street? Jesus understood these things, how even our minds wander during the deepest prayers, our stomachs growl when we are hungry and even our worship time cannot keep our physical bodies from focusing on the BBQ we are having after church.<br /> Prayer, the best prayers, I have found, are when I am alone in my home, in my yard, in my car, even in the bathroom, quietly speaking to my Heavenly Father, in my own words, in honest speech, in conversation to He who created me, guides me, loves me, and is with me, and always our prayers are in the name of Jesus, our Savior. In public, in worship, pray with the congregation, and strive to concentrate amidst distractions within and without.....but I will tell you, coming from an old Christian man several months away from 70 years old....find those private times to pray....and relax....be still....God loves you.John Joseph Flanaganhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06596324816480709495noreply@blogger.com