| Author |
Message |
Rusty Bailey
| | Posted on Thursday, July 21, 2005 - 9:12 am: | |
If I may be so bold, I would like to bring attenion again to the prayer Dick Smith posted on July 23, 2002 in preparation to that years convention in Springfield. Dick writes;
"Over the 38 years that have transpired since then I have come to appreciate Paul's struggle with his thorn in the flesh and how he uses it as a teaching tool for us all who are caught up in the struggle to preach Christ crucified through the proper distinction of Law and Gospel. Paul, like so many of us, wanted to be perfectly fit for the task of preaching Christ. After all, if we are healthy and strong we can do so much more than if we are weak and infirmed.
All of that sounds so good. But unfortunately that's the world talking. I say that because it is the very temptation to always fall back upon ourselves. It gives Human Effort the opportunity to stand tall!
It reminds me of the debate about Romans 7. Why would Paul put this whole discussion about "the good that I would I do not, the evil that I would not, that I do...I can will to do the right but I cannot do it'" why wouuld he put it where he does instead of back in Chapter 2 and the lst part of Chapter 3 where he is establishing the problem of sin for us all?
A famous Chinese Christian author by the name of Watchman Nee once wrote that Paul deliberately put it where he does because the Christian always has to be reminded that the Christian walk in Sanctification is never his work but ALWAYS GOD'S WORK." (Dick Smith, 2002)
The standing prayer of the faithful is always "Not my will but Your will be done.
Heavenly Father, gather us in your name, inspire us through your Holy Spirit, and send us out into the world in newness of spirit, to the glory of your holy name, and in the love we have through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
Dick Smith's complete prayer can be read below as posted on Tuesday, July 13, 2002. |
Rusty Bailey
| | Posted on Thursday, July 7, 2005 - 8:34 am: | |
Our Father who is in heaven,
Hear the prayer of your people
We cry as we witness the violence of the world and the rejection of your love
Grant us the presence of your peace
The confidence of your salvation that your chosen have through new life
The newness of life that comes from rebirth through baptism into Christ Jesus
Comfort those who call upon you in their need
Open the hearts of all that they may hear your Word and receive the grace you give
The Grace of your love and mercy that comes through
Jesus Christ our Lord,
Amen.
|
|