Being and Doing – 14 November – Prayer
MEN ought always to pray and not to faint.
Luke xviii.I
BE not afraid to pray – to pray is right.
Pray, if thou canst, with hope; but ever pray,
Though hope be weak, or sick with long delay :
Pray in the darkness, if there be no light.
Far is the time, remote from human sight,
When war and discord on the earth shall cease :
Yet every prayer for universal peace
Avails the blessed time to expedite.
Whate’er is good to wish, that ask of Heaven,
Though it be that thou canst not hope to see:
Pray to be perfect, though material leaven
Forbid the spirit so on earth to be:
But if for any wish thou darest not pray,
Then pray to God to cast that wish away.
HARTLEY COLERIDGE
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These quotes are from ‘Being and Doing’ A selection of helpful thoughts from various authors arranged for daily reading.
Collected by Constance M Whishaw and first published in 1908 for members of the Being and Doing Guild whose object is to do all they can for the relief of suffering and misery.
Most of the writers are 19th Century Christians from Britain and Europe who were committed to living their faith through deeds as well as words – Being AND Doing.
For many years these words have kept me company and encouraged me on the journey of faith. I hope they will encourage others also.
Suffolk Vicar 