So let’s continue with the key Methodist Way of Life expressed through the commitment to Pray Daily. The second question asked is “How easy or hard do you find it to pray?”
I wonder if the difficulty comes because we have a distorted view of prayer itself. In spite of many helpful words of scripture, liturgy and hymnody, that we have shared, we sometime overwrite these with our long held misconceptions.
Let’s look at some of these.
I think that Philippians is helpful “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
It reminds me of Edward Joy’s hymn that said
All your anxiety, all your care,
Bring to the mercy seat, leave it there,
Never a burden He cannot bear,
Never a friend like Jesus!
Followed closely by that of Charles Wesley entreaty to
Come, my soul, thy suit prepare,
Jesus loves to answer pray'r.
He Himself has bid thee pray,
rise and ask without delay.
Thou art coming to a King
large petitions with thee bring,
for his grace and pow'r are such,
none can ever ask too much.
In terms of advice, James Hudson Taylor asks, “Do not have your concert first and tune your instruments afterward. Begin the day with God. Begin the day with the Word of God and prayer, and get first of all into harmony with Him.”
Father, I need to hear from You. Today, I make the commitment to start having a daily quiet time. I will listen for Your voice above all of the other voices in my life. Lord, teach me how to centre my life on You and help me obey what I hear You say. In Jesus’ name, amen. - Mary Southerland
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