Just like that, the whirlwind of political energy that was in our little town’s Community Centre last week is entirely gone. The posters are in the bin, the fliers are hopefully being recycled, and the bright, drastically oversized t-shirts worn by the volunteers for the various parties are now washed, folded, and awaiting the next break in the rain to begin their new life as 'a shirt to mow the lawn in'.
With politics being the big theme of the moment, I would like to share with you this quote from former President of the USA, Abraham Lincoln.
“I have been driven many times upon my knees by the overwhelming conviction that I had no where else to go. My own wisdom and that of all about me seemed insufficient for that day.”
I have a love/hate relationship with this quote. I appreciate Lincoln’s vulnerability, that he could openly express that sometimes he has nothing left to give. I appreciate his openness about his faith in God. I also appreciate that even a revered leader, such as Lincoln, could essential say “I still need God”.
What I don’t love is the idea that prayer for so many, including Lincoln here, is seen as a last resort. The idea that only when we have tried absolutely everything else on our own, and that hasn’t worked out, then it must be time to pray.
The picture painted in the Bible is that prayer makes the most impact in our lives when it is our first stop, our natural rhythm, and main mode of operation. God actually loves it when we pray.
I believe in prayer. I believe that God not only is willing to listen, but longs to hear our prayers. I believe that prayer is too good to reserve as a last resort back-up plan.
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 Lord’s people. Ephesians 6:18
Pr Michael Chapman
Gateway Church Pastor
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