Reflections on the Day of Prayer for Rain, 11th April 98.
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In April 1998 most of Eastern Australia, the East coast of New Zealand, & much of SE Asia, was in the grip of severe drought. Fires were again out of control in Indonesian Borneo and the resulting haze was affecting people and animals alike in several countries.
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On Saturday the 11th of April 1998, in many towns and cities,
around the world, groups, families and individuals were in prayer for
rain for the drought affected regions of the world.
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In the little chapel of St Joseph’s House Of Prayer, Goulburn,
Australia, a display had been set up to help those gathered to focus on
the problems being faced by many on the land.
The scene showed bare hills apart from a few trees, some dead, with some
sheep searching for food on a hill surmounted by a dead tree shaped like
a cross. A few clouds with the words, "till the rains come"
written in them, floated across a blue sky. In the foreground at the base
of the hills was a collection of tree branches and bark. On some of the
leafy eucalyptus branches were fresh bright yellow and red flowers, a
paradox and yet a reality in a land crying out for water.
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Early in our prayer time people were encouraged to read Ezekiel
Chapter 34, containing the words of the Biblical prophet who called
the people of his time to repentance for their treatment of each other
and the land. We feel that this reading is also relevant to us all today
in our greed and lack of respect for others and our environment.
Other thoughts or inspirations that came through were:-
The need to thank God for what we have at the moment. Jesus will be found
everywhere, both in the good and the bad times. Sometimes there is a need
to live with the paradoxes.
Be attentive to the Spirit in every circumstance or situation. See the
gift of what is offered even in the worst or driest of times.
There is hope! We also are dust. Within our own drought, we should allow
ourselves to be watered & moulded, and we should look for the signs of
hope in every situation. Be open to learn.
The word of God goes forth doing whatever it is sent to do. We need to be
able to hear this word whatever it is, and allow the land to teach us.
Nature may at times remind us of the dryness of our own hearts, and also
remind us of the love and provision of God.
Hope in God!
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Rain had already begun to fall a few days before the actual Day of
Prayer for Rain, and although only a little, this for some of us was a
sign that our prayers, already offered, and our intention to continue in
prayer were being heard.
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Thanks to all of you who are continuing to pray for rain
for the drought affected regions of the world!
Answered Prayers
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