pray, sunday

Sunday, October 4

Opening Prayer: Lord, you know me better than I know myself.  Your Spirit pervades every moment of my life.  Thank you for the grace and love you shower on me.  Thank you for your constant, gentle invitation to let you into my life.  Forgive me for the times I have refused that invitation, and closed myself off from you.  Help me in the day to come, to recognize your presence in my life, to open myself to you, to let you work in me, to your greater glory. Amen. (The Spiritual Exercises by St. Ignatius)

Scripture: Colossians 4:2-6

Journal: What things are you devoted to (or continuing steadfastly, ESV) these days?  What would it look like to be devoted to prayer?  What words describe your prayer life right now?  How do the words watchful and thankful strike you?  What would it look like to be watchful and thankful in prayer? 

Reflection:

 

     Many a one has turned from his inner chamber, under bitter self-accusation that he has prayed so little, and has resolved for the future to live in a different manner.  Yet no blessing has come—there was not the strength to continue faithful, and the call to repentance had no power, because his eyes had not been fixed on the Lord Jesus.  If he had only understood he would have said: “Lord, Thou seest how cold and dark my heart is: I know that I must pray, but I feel that I cannot do so; I lack the urgency and desire to pray.”

     He did not know that at that moment the Lord Jesus in His tender love was looking down upon him and saying: “You cannot pray; you feel that all is cold and dark: why not give yourself over into my hands?  Only believe that I am ready to help you in prayer; I long greatly to shed abroad My love in your heart, so that you, in the consciousness of weakness, may confidently rely on Me to bestow the grace of prayer.  Just as I cleanse you from all other sins, so also will I deliver from the sin of prayerlessness—only do not seek the victory in your own strength.  Bow before Me as one who expects everything from his Savior.  Let your soul keep silence before Me, however sad you feel your state to be.  Be assured of this—I will teach you how to pray. (The Prayer Life by Andrew Murray)

Prayers

Closing Prayer: “Lord, Thou seest how cold and dark my heart is: I know that I must pray, but I feel that I cannot do so; I lack the urgency and desire to pray.”  Have mercy on me, O Lord.  Teach me how to pray.  Amen.