Friday, January 17, 2014

George Grant: Normal Prayer, Normal Life


Prayer is the most common Christian expression of authentic faith; but it may be among the least practiced Christian disciplines. It is said that prayer is the universal language of the soul, but it is actually the solitary province of the supplicating saint. Prayer, as the unconscious heart cry in times of distress, is the currency of all humanity; but prayer, as the deep and committed soul-bond in communion with almighty God, is an exceptionally rare and precious jewel.

The heroes of the faith have always been diligent, vigilant, and constant in prayer. They humbled themselves with prayers, petitions, and supplications that always acknowledged their dependence upon His mercy and grace. Athanasius, for instance, prayed five hours each day. Augustine once set aside 18 months to do nothing but pray. Bernard of Clairveaux would not begin his daily activities until he had spent at least three hours in prayer. John Fletcher regularly spent all night in prayer. His greeting to friends was always, “Do I meet you praying?” Keep reading

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