Prayer Column - February 2021

Do I pray as much as I think I should?

Sometimes prayer requests come in so frequently and in such profusion that I begin to feel I can’t cope. There are prayer letters from worthy Christian charities. And our own district prayer handbook, with another for the Connexion, and that card listing presidential appointments. Add to all those the trickle of news of ailments and sometimes heart-rending problems faced by church members – or their friends, etc, etc... And of course I add to the burden myself, with my weekly Circuit prayer letters (and this column). Not to mention the general state of the world now, and looming threats to come. Where do I stop? Because I were to take them all on board, I don’t think I’d be doing anything else.

I could of course give it all up, or just think of myself, but we are called to pray, and for each other (Lk 11:2). Or I could allocate a brief moment to each request, a nod rather than a kneel, but that isn’t perseverance (Lk 18:1). I could allow emotion to be my guide, and pray most about what really gets to me, but emotions can be misleading. Perhaps I could cultivate a pray-as-you-go attitude, lifting up every thought and call, meeting and action, but Jesus had special times of prayer (Mk 1:35).

But come to think about it, perhaps I should pray about how much to pray. I mean I could ask for guidance. After all, we’re given the Holy Spirit to be with us always as our helper and counsellor – might this not be something to seek help and counsel about. As each request came in, I could run it past him and sense his response. Would that work?

Roy Lorrain-Smith

A prayer for each week

The Lord is my Pace-setter, I shall not rush. Thank you, Lord, for knowing my rhythm and pace. Please make me more fully aware of your voice. Amen.

He makes me stop and rest for quiet intervals. Rightly are you called Lord, for you know the way and the timing. Please help me find your pauses. Amen.

He provides me with images of stillness, which restore my serenity. Lord, please come and rewind my tired springs, and bring peace to my soul. Amen.

Even though I have a great many things to accomplish each day, I will not fret, for his presence is here. Thank you, Lord, for the Holy Spirit’s help. Amen.

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