Being and Doing – 17 November – Prayer

PRAYER is surely not asking God to love people and do them good because we love them better than He does;  but offering ourselves as sacrifices to Him, that He may fill us with His love, and send us on His errands.

F. D. MAURICE

PERFECT prayer consists not in the multitude of words, but in the strength of the desire which raises the soul towards God.   Every Christian ought to contribute towards the salvation of souls, according as he is inspired by a holy desire.   Everything which is said and done for the salvation of men is a continual prayer, but a prayer which does not exempt us from the use of mental and vocal prayer at certain times.   All that is done for the love of God and our neighbour, all, it may be added, which is done for ourselves also, with a just and right aim, may be called prayer, for those never cease to pray who never cease to do good.   Love for our fellow-creatures is a constant prayer.

From Life of Catherine of Siena

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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.