Not We Who Pray

In the chapter "Prayer of Rest," Richard Foster explains that the work of prayer does not rest upon us. The work of prayer is in the "activity of the everlasting Trinity." (Prayer: Finding the Hearts True Home (p 98-99) Foster uses Romans 8:26-27 as the foundation for the idea that the Spirit accompanies us in our prayers, focusing our stumbling thoughts and straightening our motives until it corresponds to the will of God. In the book of Hebrews Jesus is called the High Priest; Foster reviews the role of the High Priest to intercede before God on behalf of the people. Jesus the Christ, is in continual prayer for us. The third collaborator in our prayers is God, who is in dialogue and communion with God. P.T. Forsyth is quoted "When we speak to God it is really the God who lives in us speaking through us to himself." ...In class we all set our books down, looked at each other and asked "God talks to himself???" Did you notice he's quoting Forsyth and not a Bible passage???

In a strange way it almost made sense. When I'm really concentrating on solving a problem, and humming and humphing haven't helped, the next involuntary action that occurs is that I start talking - to myself. I begin to verbally retrace steps, consider other options, offer words of encouragement, and deliver scowling lectures on missing the obvious. There could be someone else in the room, and when I realize that I'm carrying on a monologue I explain to them that I have to talk to myself because I'm the only one who will pay attention!

My prayer for the congregation?

Dear God, You are at the heart of our prayers. You know our needs, you set a longing in our soul, and you follow our progress. Sometimes it must seem like we are not listening to you and you are left to voice your concerns in a void. Fill our emptyness with your wisdom and love. Let us never tire of hearing your call, of discovering your divine plan, and of being a faithful servant. As a congregation let our prayers be used to discern your vision and mission for our gathering. Let us be receptive to the Spirit, accepting of the love of Christ, and yielding to the will of God. Our prayers are not our own. Amen.