Regional Synod of Canada - Reformed Church in America

Pioneer Christian Monthly

Date - Nov/80

Contributor - Anonymous

Title - Praying All Day

Topic - Prayer

Paul urges us to pray without ceasing. Who can honestly engage in this necessary exercise? How can this be done? What ought we to say? What attitudes should suffuse our praises and petitions?

Instead of worrying about correct words and proper petitions we must learn the open abandon of little children. Our Heavenly Father delights to hear us tell it like it is; out loud, silently, coherently, incoherently, etc. Just imagine your Heavenly Father talking to you something like this. Hearing Him can help us to pray genuinely, all the time, without the worries of the overly scrupulous.

Imagine Him saying something like this to you:

You do not have to be clever to please me; all you have to do is want to love me. Just speak to me as you would to anyone of whom you are very fond.

Are there any people you want to pray for? Say their names to me, and ask of me as much as you like. I am generous, and know all their needs, but I want you to show your love for them and me by trusting me to do what I know is best.

Tell me about the poor, the sick, and the sinners, and if you have lost the friendship or affection of anyone, tell me about that too.

Is there anything you want for your soul? If you like, you can write out a long list of all your needs, and come and read it to me. Tell me of the things you feel guilty about. I will forgive you if you will accept it.

Just tell me about your pride, your touchiness, self-centeredness, meanness and laziness. I still love you in spite of these. Do not be ashamed; there are many saints in heaven who had the same faults as you; they prayed to me and little their faults were corrected.

What is it that you want today? Tell me, for I long to do you good. What are your plans? Tell me about them. Is there anyone you want to please? What do you want to do for them?

Are you afraid of anything? Have you any tormenting, unreasonable fears? Trust yourself to me. I am here. I see everything. I will not leave you.

Have you no joys to tell me about? Why do you not share your happiness with me? Tell me what has happened since yesterday to cheer and comfort you. Whatever it was, however big, however small, I prepared it. Show me your gratitude and thank me.

Are temptations bearing heavily upon you? Yielding to temptations always disturbs the peace of your soul. Ask me, and I will help you overcome them.

Well, go along now. Get on with your work or play, or other interests. Try to be quieter, humbler, more submissive, kinder; and come back soon and bring me a more devoted heart. Tomorrow I shall have more blessings for you.

Anonymous

Used by permission of "Second Monday for Elders and Deacons". Co-ordinating editor, Dr. Alexander C DeJong; published by ZOE Ministries, 12940 Westem Avenue, Blue Island, Ill.

On behalf of our readers, we express our appreciation. Ed.

ABOUT THE COVER: The Rev. James Schut is completing forty-one years of service in C rift ministry in the Reformed Church. He retires at the end of this year. For all our readers we say, "Thank you" to him for his long and fruitful career. We are grateful to Church Herald for the use of this cover picture.

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