Matthew 6:6 (NIV):"But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you."

Jesus always prioritised spending time alone with His Heavenly Father. In spite of the business of life and the countless distractions and responsibilities competing for our time and attention, there is one place we must give priority to, above all others. That is the quiet, secret place we share only with the Lord. Finding a quiet time and place to seek the Lord's presence away from all other demands is essential for our spiritual survival and well being. Unfortunately, making time to be alone with God, is often not enough. Once we have silenced the outer voices, we still have to contend with the restlessness of our minds. It's the inner turmoil that can be so disturbing and confusing that we can hardly wait to get busy again. We often use these outer distractions to shield ourselves from the conflict inside. This makes the discipline of solitude with the Lord more important. Wait on God, learn to lay every burden at His feet and receive His healing, wisdom, peace, and inner strength. You'll find it's not time wasted; it is life gained.

Hebrews 4:16 (NKJV): ^“Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”

 

Mercy is an extension and expression of God’s love; an act of His kindness, compassion, and favour. Grace is God's willingness to treat us as though we have never sinned; it’s also His glorious empowerment in us to do what is beyond our natural ability. In 1 Corinthians 15:10, Paul says God’s grace empowered him to accomplish all he ever did for the kingdom. As believers, in order to live an effective, victorious life – free from condemnation and fear – we need these power twins working inside us. We become unstuck by the mistakes of our past when we have a revelation of God’s mercy for us, and His grace to move forward confidently in victory. Grace and mercy provide the platform for powerful, effective prayer; and the ability to receive and live by the truth of God’s Word. Welcome a fresh flow of God’s grace and mercy today. Let it influence your heart and be reflected through your life. Remember, you are free to forgive and love others to the extent you have been loved and forgiven by God’s mercy and grace to you.