How would you define prayer? Is it when you get on your knees and ask God to help you solve a problem or when you ask God for things you desire? Is it when you tell God that things in this world are a mess and you don’t know what to do about it? In the Hebrew language, prayer is called mishkan. It comes from the root word shakan which means to dwell. In the Old Testament, the Hebrew people built a Tabernacle or tent which God gave specific directions about constructing so that He could dwell in it and be among His people. They carried it with them throughout their 40-year journey in the wilderness going to the Promised Land and continued to use it until the Temple of Solomon was built. The Tent of Meeting, or the Tabernacle, was a picture of what God desired His people to learn. It was to teach them that prayer was not just an action of saying words or performing some act but where God and man meet together and become intimately acquainted. It was not just showing up but being in the holy presence of a holy God who loves unconditionally and wants to dwell in us. Another meaning of the word mishkan is to abide, to remain, to inhabit, or to continue. What then is the heart of prayer? It is to abide in His abiding, to rest in His rest, to remain in His remaining, to dwell in His dwelling, and to inhabit His habitation. In other words, as it says all through the book of Ephesians, we are to live in Him. “In Him we live and have our being.” Acts 17:28. We are to pray according to God’s Word, not our feelings. “The Word of God is alive and full of power, sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” Heb. 4:12. Eph. 6:17 says to use, “. . . the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God . . .” God says in Isaiah 55:11, “So shall My Word be that goes forth out of My mouth; it shall not return unto Me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.” In other words, if you speak God’s Word over a situation, it will do what God’s Word says it will do. Live in the presence of God, pray His Word, and see your prayer time change for the better. u FEBRUARY 2026 GLAD TIDINGS MARRIAGE FROM HEAVEN AN INTERNET CONNECTION by CHRISTIAN AUTHOR PEGGY ROTH CLARK Publisher Zulon Press One Christian Widow and One Christian Widower’s parallel Journey of Faith A true testimony of Godʼs faithfulness Can Be Purchased: Christian Book Stores Amazon.com & Barnes & Noble.com Author: prclark7@gmail.com Delightful and Inspiring! Tomorrow’s Best Seller Today! 6 THE MISHKAN PEGGY CLARK PEARL RIVER, LA In December 2020, one of the hardest trials of my life came. My father was in an accident on December 26 and passed away on December 29. We were very close, and I couldn’t accept how sudden and quick his passing was. by that time I had just given birth to my youngest child, and I was struggling with postpartum depression, exhaustion, and s l e e p l e s s nights. One day, after doing laundry the whole day, I was s o tired, I fell asleep wi thout even eating. Less than a minute later, I heard a deafening sound—like a trumpet—growing louder and louder. My heartbeat raced. I wanted to move or scream, but I couldn’t. Then I saw myself hanging from a cliff. I let go, whispering, “Lord, it’s all up to You, I’m so tired.” Suddenly, the heavy feeling lifted, and my fall slowed down. I found myself in a place full of green grass, trees, flowers, and butterflies. I ran endlessly until I saw a tall and beautiful silver gate. When I touched it, it opened on its own. Inside were many people, all wearing long white garments, silently looking at me. Under a tree, I saw two figures: my father, wearing the same clothes he had the last time I saw him, and a tall man with a staff. His face shone so brightly that I couldn’t see it clearly. I ran to my father and hugged him tightly. Crying, I told him how much I missed him. He embraced me back and said, “Why are you here? It’s not yet your time.” Then the man with the staff stood, approached me, and gently touched my head. At that moment, I woke up—gasping for air, with tears in my eyes, and still feeling the warmth of my father’s embrace. Until today, I cannot say for sure if it was just a dream or a real spiritual experience. But I know one thing for certain: my life is not yet over. There is still a reason why I am here. And that truth is what I hold onto every day. u “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” – Jeremiah 29:11 Author Unknown A New Year Prayer Precious Heavenly Father May our faith be strong as we journey on In the start of a brandNew Year And our days be blessed with peace and rest And freedom from doubt and fear As we lift our hands and voices, Lord In heartfelt thanks and praise We’re grateful for the light You shine Through darkest nights and days Bring comfort, Lord, to those who weep Whose hearts are filled with sorrow O Saviour, give them strength, we pray To face each new tomorrow The Light of life and hope are You The Rock on which we stand O Sun of Righteousness, we pray For healing in this land Forever be our shelter, Lord Throughout each night and day And bring to pass Your perfect will O Saviour, God, we pray. Thank You, Lord .. Amen. by Christine V. Mitchell The Dream That Felt Like Heaven: My Father’s Embrace
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