Being and Doing – 22 November – Prayer
EVERY moment of deepening communion with His Father has its corresponding moment of sympathy with His brother-men… Everywhere the solitary completes itself in the social. Solitude shapes and colours the precious forms of character which then the furnace of society burns to solidity, and brilliance, and permanence.
PHILLIPS BROOKS
LORD what a change within us one short hour
Spent in Thy presence will prevail to make,
What heavy burdens from our bosoms take,
What parched grounds refresh as with a shower!
We kneel, and all around us seems to lower;
We rise, and all, the distant and the near,
Stands forth in sunny outline brave and clear;
We kneel-how weak! We rise-how full of power!
Why therefore should we do ourselves this wrong,
Or others-that we are not always strong,
That we are ever overborne with care,
That we should ever weak or thoughtless be,
Anxious or troubled, when with us is prayer,
And joy, and strength, and courage are with
Thee?”
TRENCH
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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 