Being and Doing – 24 November – Prayer

PRAYER is not only – perhaps in some of the holiest souls is not even chiefly – a petition for something that we want and do not possess.   In the larger sense of the word, as the spiritual language of the soul, prayer is intercourse with God, often seeking no end beyond the pleasure of such intercourse. It is praise…  When we seek the company of our friends…  it is a pleasure to be with them, to be talking to them at all about anything; to be in possession of their sympathies and to be showing our delight at it;  to be assuring them of their place in our hearts and thoughts.   So it is with the soul, when dealing with the Friend of friends with God.

Canon LIDDON

FREQUENT intercourse even with an earthly friend, if he be of a strong, marked character, quickly makes itself seen in its influence upon us.   We grow more and more like those with whom we associate, and especially if we admire and look up to them we unconsciously imitate them.   It is no less so with our intercourse with God.   The more time we spend in His presence, seeking His face and communing with Him in prayer, the more surely will godly graces and tempers spring up within us and bear fruit in our lives.

Bishop WALSHAM HOW

oooOOOooo

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.