|
|
 |
| One
Preacher's Prayer |
|
When I am discouraged and
there is no sign of progress; when people are seemingly
insensitive and unimpressed with the great things of Thy word;
when people have obviously made the world a fit place for
their hearts and not for just their hands; when it seems that
preaching is listened to habitually and out of a sense of duty
instead of hungrily and out of privilege; when expressions of
appreciation are followed with little or no action; and I am
discouraged—GOD, HELP ME!
When I am not sure about things; when there is uncertainty
about what to say and when to say it; when I know a rebuke is
needed, but hesitate to articulate it; when I am not sure
about what is genuine encouragement and what is flattery; when
I am not sure whether a word was said in sincere criticism or
out of spite; when I am not sure I should go; when I am not
sure how long to stay or how far to go; when circumstances are
such that right is not easily discernable; when I am not
sure—GOD, HELP ME!
When I am torn between two; when I must make te choice without
regard to the consequences; when it is necessary to select or
determine, knowing that the decision is not the popular one;
when I must choose even if it indicts me; when the easy way
would be to procrastinate and postpone; when the easiest
choice is not the right one; when I am torn between two—GOD,
HELP ME!
When I am tempted; when the baubles and bangles of life are
attractive to me; when there is a desire for recognition by
the world; when I become momentarily fascinated with vocations
that offer more in the way of money, security, fame; when the
evil one is at my side no matter my turning; when it appears
that the “way of escape” is blurred and distant; when I
begin to dwell on the provocative and sensual, when I am
tempted—GOD, HELP ME!
When things are good; when people are hearing what I say; when
they are zealous and active; when the young are growing and
the old are becoming wise; when enthusiasm buds and the sheer
excitement of serving is obvious; when benevolence is done
without assignment; when visits are made without prodding, and
work is abounding; when there is a real, earnest regard for
the spiritual; and when there is a tendency for me to take
credit for such growth and development; yes, when things are
good—GOD, HELP ME!
And when I am happy; when I have prayed as I ought; when I
have remembered Thee; when I have given proper thought to what
might have been without Thee, when I ponder with great
satisfaction Thy forgiveness; when I clasp hands with a friend
and brother in Christ; when the common meal with those of
kindred spirit is cause for great rejoicing; when the simple
glance of one who cares fills my heart with love; when the
contemplation of the grace of God swells my being with great
appreciation; when I am happy—GOD, HELP ME!
When I must go on; when I share sorrow with the ancient
worthies at the loss of loved ones; when I see the wayward
stray further and further from Thy protecting care; when I
must weep at the open grave; when I must, with David, see my
sin before my face; when I, with Peter, see my denial of Thy
greatness; when I, midst great persecution and intense pain,
must continue on my way; when I am lost for a moment and the
sheer terror of it grips my soul; when I reach for a friend
and find no one there; when those dear to me would mock and
ridicule my meager attempt at service; and when, through it
all, I must go on—GOD, HELP ME!
Dee Bowman
|
|
Copyright (C)
2008
Southside Church of Christ
All rights reserved.
|
|
|
