Are we praying with eternity in mind?
Andrew Drury
There is a familiar theme in many prayers written by saints who have gone before us. It is noticeable in the prayer by the Polish-born reformer Zacharias Ursinus (1534–1583).
His prayer commences conventionally, with the acknowledgement to God the Father that we are weak - for we are being attacked by the Devil, the world and our own flesh unceasingly. The prayer includes the plea that the power of the Holy Spirit would keep and strengthen us, so that we would not be defeated.
pastoral care
Helping those in the desert of prayerlessness
Helen Thorne-Allenson
Hidden prayerlessness can damage the church. I’m not referring to the unbeliever on the fringe who has no relationship with the Lord – nor the suffering believer who is struggling to concentrate or find the words – but rather the seemingly passionate Christian who is active in the local church but is operating as from a place of self-dependence rather than dependent on God.
The person who leads Bible studies, engages in one-to-ones, talks about evangelism – maybe even leads and preaches on a Sunday – and, in the course of those things, will pray prayers that sound good but, in the quietness of their own heart, there is nothing. No wrestling with the Lord over personal sin. No pleading with the Lord for the salvation of their family and friends. No intercession for the war-torn, poverty-stricken areas of the world. No seeking the Lord’s guidance in the daily decisions of life. A Christian who looks flourishing on the outside but is hollow and dry within.
'Health+Care Sunday': Will you join us in prayer?
I wonder if you feel discouraged and anxious as we look at our struggling health and social care system and the potential changes to law around the corner.
I won’t list the worries and problems that might cause us sleepless nights. So instead, let’s turn to prayer. We want to see our churches pray for our health and social care services in the UK, and the Christians who work tirelessly to support and care for those in need.