Tuesday, January 13, 2009

My brother, JC Ryle

"They love me best who love me in their prayers." Well said. And to those who pray for me: I cannot thank you enough. When I first came to know the Lord, I would hear missionaries ask for money, and they would invariably say, But most of all, we want your prayers. And I used to laugh inwardly, thinking: Yeah, that's what I'd say, too, if I wanted more money. (Cynicism was one of my strong points.) Here's more good quoting from my brother:



"Brethren who pray, if I know anything of a Christian's heart, you are often sick of your own prayers. You never enter into the apostle's words, "When I would do good, evil is present with me." so thoroughly as you sometimes do upon your knees. You can understand David's words, "I hate vain thoughts." You can sympathize with that poor converted Hottentot who was overheard praying, "Lord, deliver me from all my enemies, and above all, from that bad man-myself." There are few children of God who do not often find the season of prayer a season of conflict. The devil has special wrath against us when he sees us on our knees. Yet, I believe that prayers which cost us no trouble, should be regarded with great suspicion. I believe we are very poor judges of the goodness of our prayers, and that the prayer which pleases us least, often pleases God most."

(I'm getting a theme to my posts lately. Hmmm.) What's God been teaching you about prayer? How I long for a comment or two....

4 comments:

sarahdodson said...

Well, here's one. Good quotes, Ems. I can totally relate to the second quote. I hate vain thoughts. Prayer is WORK. It's good work, but definitely work. Thanks for sharing these. I love YOU.

Grace said...

good morning, sweet mama. i sure do miss you. maybe you'd love to come help me potty train abby. i could use it. actually, she's really smart and i think she'll get the hang of it quickly. call anytime:)

Mike and Misty said...

WOW, Grace is potty training Abby and Mikayla is potty trained.... I am behind a bit. Naomi MUST be potty trained before Beth comes, we cannot have 3 in diapers!! love you

Anonymous said...

I thought of you folks. I was in San Antonio this week.

Bruce McJ