Tuesday, September 1, 2009

Prayer

The Rule of Benedict has this to say about prayer.
When we wish to suggest our wants to persons of high station, we do not presume to do so except with humility and reverence. How much the more, then, are complete humility and pure devotion necessary in supplication of the Lord who is God of the universe! And let us be assured that it is not in saying a great deal that we shall be heard (Matt 6:7), but in purity of heart and in tears of compunction. Our prayer, therefore, ought to be short and pure, unless it happens to be prolonged by an inspiration of divine grace. In community, however, let prayer be very short, and when the Superior gives the signal let all rise together.*
These are helpful words. I too easily forget God's holiness and power when I address Him. I too easily babble on with many words. I will seek this day to make my prayers short and pure.

He's more than the laughter or the stars in the heavens
as close a heartbeat or a song on our lips
someday we'll trust Him and learn how to see Him
someday He'll call us and we will come running
and fall in his arms and the tears will fall down and we'll pray

i want to fall in love with You

it seems too easy to call You "Savior"
not close enough to call You "God"
so as i sit and think of words i can mention
to show my devotion

i want to fall in love with You#

*http://www.osb.org/rb/text/rbefjo3.html#20

#Love Song for a Savior; Jars of Clay, Brentwood Music, Inc.; Written By: Dan Haseltine, Matt Bronleewe, Charlie Lowell and Stephen Mason.

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