Prayer Of Gratitude and Appreciation For Being Able To Spend Time Alone With God

ALONE TIME

Earlier this week my sister Rose was able, for the first time since the COVID-19 restrictions were enforced in March, to go inside the care facility where my mom lives and spent time with her in her own room, on their own, with no clock ticking in the background telling Rose she had to go home to make space for the next visitor.  Now yes, it required a mask, a shield, a gown, gloves, a negative COVID-19 test and so on but what a joy for both Mom and Rose and the rest of our family. 

Rose had actually gone south at the end of December last year, so in January when we helped Mom make the move to this long term care facility she couldn't be there.  She and her husband came back very early on in the pandemic when Canadian citizens were encouraged to come home but she had to self-isolate for 14 days and then restrictions meant no more indoor visits.  There have been window visits in the snow and patio visits in the rain and even a walk around the grounds recently as restrictions were eased but nothing that compared with being walked in the door, down the hall, into Mom's room and being left there with the door closed to enjoy time together with Mom. I have to tell you I'm feeling pretty jealous today that it wasn't me but oh so glad for this new development.  We don't know how long it will last with COVID case numbers high in Ontario but for the time it's available it's brilliant!!

Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.

Revelation 3:20

Lord, you are knocking at the door of our hearts today and waiting to be invited to come in and share time together.  You are longing to sit down with us and share a meal and conversation and the great joy and love that is characteristic of our relationship with You.  I know Lord how much I'd love to spend some time with my mom in her room today and here You are, offering Your loving presence to us that is even more precious.  Lord, we welcome You.  Come and be with us.  Whether it's some quiet moments or a cup of coffee or a walk with You somewhere, we just want to enjoy being with You for a while today.

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.

Matthew 6:6

What a privilege it is to be able to be alone with you, with the door closed, and just share our hearts with one another.  I don't think we appreciate this half as much as we should but would You just open our eyes a little more to the joy of these amazing moments that You make available to us.

Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.

Mark 1:35

Jesus certainly knew how precious this time together with You was.  Over and over again he got up early and went off to spend time alone with You or he sent people off at the end of the day and went away to just be with You. 

You are the one who loves us the most and who is most interested in what is going on, what is coming up, and the impact it has on us.  Too many of us live lonely because we don't give you this kind of access to our heart and our activities.  Help us today to take this wonderful opportunity we have and be alone with you.

On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night. Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings. I cling to you; your right hand upholds me.

Psalm 63:6-8

Even if the only chance we get to do that is when we lay down on our beds exhausted from the responsibilities of the day, we want to do that to remember that You are with us through the night.  You are protecting us and supporting us with your love and your powerful help. 

God we love you.  We love being loved by You and we want to love You more.