Prayer opens the door through which you enter a sanctuary of strength and safety, protection, and renewal. Times of prayer, of conscious contact with God, provide you with sustenance and renewed vigour so that when you are ready you can face the world again – uplifted, refreshed and empowered. Prayer is a fundamental aspect of our spirituality.  The article below, ‘The Sanctuary’, is a wonderful expression of prayer.

As a community we have many things to pray for; prayers of thanksgiving for all we have, and the treasures found in our midst. We also have communities in our world both near and far who need our prayers. Let’s remember them, too, when we go to our own ‘Sanctuary’ to pray and remember the part God plays in our life. The prayer Jesus taught us, ‘Our Father’, is always a great place to start.

The Sanctuary

Written by Mary Alice and Richard Jafolla

Far into the Arabian desert – so far that few have seen it or even know of its existence – stands a small fortress. In silence and isolation, the sanctuary rises out of timeless sands, ready to offer safety and provisions to anyone who might come upon it. It is said that Thomas E. Lawrence, better known as ‘Lawrence of Arabia’, found refuge and sustenance in the little fortress on numerous occasions.

When under attack, often against overwhelming odds, he would make his way to the remote desert sanctuary. It was his life support providing him with food, water, safety and the opportunity to regroup, so that when he was ready, he could face the world again. At times, each of us longs for a sanctuary far removed from current challenges and busyness. However, you do not have to go off to a faraway place; you have your own sanctuary – always ready, always waiting. It is the safety, the protection, the peace and the comfort you experience when you enter into conscious communion with God.