One doesn't think of old age until we reach 80 or 90; then it hits us. We are getting old. I am old! But can anyone really say that and still have great expectations? Is there any indication in the Bible that the Lord has plans for our old age?

The Old Testament says this in Isaiah 65:20 — "Never again will there be in it an infant who lives but a few days, or an old man who does not live out his years; the one who dies at a hundred will be thought a mere child; the one who fails to reach a hundred will be considered accursed." (NIV 2011) The Old Testament numerology is confusing at best. I don't understand. How long does the Lord give us here on earth in this country?

Many people in Malawi to this day die in their 40s, and only recently, the Canadian and American age range has neared 100. A hundred years old? Wow! We need to think and pray, to know how the Lord calls us to serve Him at this age. How can you and I serve the Lord effectively at our age, wanting to influence others now where we live or have been placed, which is often in an old-age care facility?

I remember reading long ago the story of a man, much loved by the community around him and by the local congregation for his faithful praying. He spent many hours every day praying for all who asked, and the Lord heard his prayers. That is something that we can do as we age, for much praying marks the life of a saint — a man or woman who is close to the Lord. With the church suffering a lapse in attendance with fewer and fewer younger folk coming out to services, except for funerals and Christmas, every church needs many prayers concerned for everyone. Are you known for your praying?

Which way does the Lord want us to go? Here is what God is saying to us: "And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord's people." (Ephesians 6:18 NIV 2011)

Yes, we need to be praying at every age, and every congregation needs to make a concerted effort to draw prayers into the fold of Jesus' love. Again, are you known for your praying? Are you blessed, living to such an age? Be thankful for the years the Lord has given you. Here is a new way to look at years gone by: "Blessed are the old folk, for they have been living in the stream of God's love for many years."

Prayer: Dear Lord Jesus, You died in Your thirties, but You live now into eternity and in us who trust in You. You call us into Your service at every age, for all who serve You are energized by Your Spirit. Thank You for the years that You give us before calling us home to You. Make plain, O Lord, how we can serve You today, for regardless of our age, You call us to serve and follow You. Amen.

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