“and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.” – Acts 6:4
In his book “Lion and Lamb: The Relentless Tenderness of Jesus,” author Brennan Manning describes a time when he counseled a man dying of cancer who had a difficult time praying:
“Here’s what I suggest. Sit down on a chair, place an empty chair in front of you, and in faith, see Jesus on the chair. It’s not spooky because He promised, ‘I’ll be with you all days. Then just speak to Him and listen in the same way you’re doing with me right now.’
‘So, Padre, I tried it, and I’ve liked it so much that I do it a couple of hours every day. I’m careful, though. If my daughter saw me talking to an empty chair, she’d either have a nervous breakdown or send me off to the funny farm.’
The priest was deeply moved by the story and encouraged the old guy to continue on the journey. Then he prayed with him, anointed him with oil, and returned to the rectory. Two nights later, the daughter called to tell the priest that her daddy had died that afternoon. ‘Did he seem to die in peace?’ he asked. ‘Yes, when I left the house around two o’clock, he called me over to his bedside, told me one of his corny jokes, and kissed me on the cheek. When I got back from the store an hour later, I found him dead. But there was something strange, Father. In fact, beyond strange—kinda weird. Apparently, just before Daddy died, he leaned over and rested his head on a chair beside his bed.’”
It is good to confess our sins and only then come to the Lord in prayer. Today in prayer, come to your loving Father and pour out your heart, knowing that He wants to hear from you all of the time.
"I'd rather teach one man to pray than ten men to preach." - John Henry Jowett
God’s Word: “And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.” – Ephesians 6:18
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