I preached on prayer this morning from Colossians 4:2 "devote yourslves to prayer." Confessing that I was preaching to myself. This old hymn reminds us (amongst other things) that Jesus was our great example in prayer.
Prayer is the soul's sincere desire, expressed in thought or word;
the burning of a hidden fire, a longing for the Lord.
Prayer is the burden of a sigh, the falling of a tear,
the upward glancing of an eye, when none but God is near.
Prayer is the simplest form of speech that infant lips can try;
prayer the sublimest strains that reach the Majesty on high.
Prayer is the contrite sinners' voice, returning from their way,
while angels in their songs rejoice and cry, "Behold, they pray!"
Prayer is the secret battleground where victories are won;
by prayer the will of God is found and work for Him begun.
Prayer is the Christians' vital breath, the Christians' native air;
their watchword at the gates of death; they enter heaven with prayer.
Jesus, by whom we come to God, the Life, the Truth, the Way:
the path of prayer thyself hast trod; Lord, teach us how to pray!
May we learn from him and also remember that we are praying to the sovereign Lord.
Sunday, 8 November 2009
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