Prayers and Thoughts

for Reflection

Lenton Devotional

2008

March 19

To labor is to pray. 

Motto of the Benedictines

Prayer is a preparation for danger; it is the armor for battle.  Go not into the dangerous world without it.

Robertson

Prayer girds human weakness with divine strength, turns human folly into heavenly wisdom, and gives to troubled mortals the peace of God.

Author Unknown

Prayer introduces us to the Great Companion who meets our human need with his divine response.  The man who has learned to pray is no longer alone in the universe.  He is living in his Father’s house.

William Adams Brown

Personal prayer, it seems to me, is one of the simplest necessities of life, as basic to the individual as sunshine, food and water – and at times, of course, more so.  By prayer, I believe we mean an effort to get in touch with the Infinite.  We know that our prayers are imperfect. Of course they are.  We are imperfect human beings.  A thousand experiences have convinced me beyond room of doubt that prayer multiples the strength of the individual and brings within the scope of his capabilities almost any conceivable objective.

Dwight D. Eisenhower

In the castle of my soul

Is a little postern gate,

Whereat, when I enter,

I am in the presence of God.

In a moment, in the turning of a thought,

I am where God is.

Walter Rauschenbusch

...be constant in prayer.

Romans 12:12

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Thy sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.  Amen.

Psalm 11:14

Dear Lord, Thank you for the promise of Your word.  I know that You hear me when I pray. When I want to give up, fill me with hope. Keep me always mindful of Your strength. I want to be a carrier of cheerfulness, sensitive to the suffering of others. When I see them floundering around me, help me lead them to trust in You and Your infinite power. Show me how to find the right words of praise and encouragement, so I may be a helping hand to another as You always are to me.  Thank you for the gift of prayer.  Amen.