Being and Doing – 20 November – Prayer

WHERE you cannot pray as you would, pray as you can.

GOULBURN

NOR is it in this only that thy progress in spiritual life consists, that thou hast the grace of comfort;  but rather that with humility, self-denial, and patience, thou endurest the withdrawing thereof;  provided thou do not then become listless in the exercise of prayer, nor suffer the rest of thy accustomed duties to be at all neglected.   Rather do thou cheerfully perform what lieth in thee, according to the best of thy power and understanding;  and do not wholly neglect thyself because of the dryness or anxiety of mind which thou feelest.

THOMAS À KEMPIS

OUR prayers must centre, not in self, but in God.   When we look for sensations of fervour, and peace, and joy in prayer, we are seeking self, not God…  It is necessary that we should pray; it is not necessary that we should feel happy in praying.   Our prayers are not heard for their fervour, but for Christ’s sake.

Bishop WALSHAM HOW

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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.