What comes to your mind when you think about prayer?  Depending on your tradition, it may be anything from an informal chat with God to a ritualized recitation.  Does the Bible say anything about how we are to pray?  What is prayer?  Why do we pray?  Can we expect God to answer or even to hear us?  In Matthew 6:9-13 we find what is commonly called The Lord’s Prayer.  Did He mean for us to recite it as some traditions do?  Did he mean it as an outline of how our prayers should be structured?  Or, did He mean it to be an example of the kinds of things that should be in our prayers?  Is it all inclusive?

This time of year you will hear a lot of “Christmas messages.”  It is a wonderful thing to celebrate the day on which Jesus made his appearance to the world in human form.  However, with this last opportunity to speak to you this year I would like to talk a little about the relationship that Jesus came to make possible.  During a time in which some of us may feel alone, I’d like to suggest to you that the best friend you ever had is just a word away.  On Sunday, we’ll try to answer some of those questions I just asked.  The Holy Spirit is still teaching me, and I’m excited to share with you what I’ve learned and am still learning so far.  I’m praying that I’ll see you there.