I was shocked when I read about a web site called InformationAgePrayer.com that offers, for people too busy to speak to God themselves, a daily service of invocations using voice-synthesizing software. Each prayer is voiced individually with the subscriber's name on the screen, and set up for the individual specific beliefs. (For Muslim prayers, the computer's speakers point toward Mecca) The cost varies depending on the type of prayer. (Hail Marys are 70 cents a day, the Lord prayer or Islamic Fajr is $3.95 a month.) As I read about this service, I couldn’t help but think about what Jesus said in Matthew 6:7, “But when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words.” It probably wasn’t what Jesus had in mind when he uttered those words but it sure fit. We are to a continually praying people but not at the expense of meaningful prayer. True prayer requires the heart of man not just a voice.
William Cowper didn’t see any reason to live. He decided that he’d jump off the bridge over the Thames. So, he called a cab to take him there. But that night in 1763, a thick fog enveloped London. It was so thick the cab driver couldn’t find the bridge and couldn’t even find the way to take William home. In frustration, he ordered the driver to stop and get out to get his bearings. He walked up to the nearest house to read the number and it was William's house. Gone now were William’s thoughts of suicide and instead a new idea came into his head. So, he went in and wrote these words: God moves in mysterious ways His wonders to perform. He plants his footsteps in the sea And rides upon the storm. You fearful saints, fresh courage take; The clouds you so much dread Are big with mercy and shall break In blessings on your head. I sometimes wish we could see all the ways God watches over us when need it. There are...
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