Oct
8
Written by:
Bob Flynn
10/8/2009 7:11 AM
"When thou prayest let thy words be few, but thy thoughts and affections many, and above all let them be profound. The less thou speakest the better thou prayest....External and bodily prayer is that buzzing of the lips, that outside babble that is gone through without any attention, and which strikes the ears of men; but prayer in spirit and in truth is the inward desire, the motions, the sighs, which issue from the depths of the heart. The former is the prayer of hypocrites and of all who trust in themselves: the latter is the prayer of the children of God, who walk in His fear." Martin Luther
This is a hard truth in our American society where we seem to measure things by quantity. Yet this time-honored saint gives us great insight into our attitude. Our prayer reflects our inward desires and true affections. If I lack affection and desire, I confess that very thing in fervent hope and expectation of receiving the promised forgiveness and renewing. When we speak and sons and daughters as opposed to religious zealots, we may find that wondrous place where Grace abounds to sinners. Though we speak much, we pray little! When we can reveal the innermost of our hearts to Him who already sees and knows, then will we have found liberty of life and power in prayer! Till then we suffer in our sin and live in our delusions!
Copyright ©2009 Robert Flynn