The late Scottish preacher/writer, Henry Drummond wrote a book called, "The Greatest Thing In The World." The book was based on 1Corinthians 13. When Dr. Drummond passed on, George Adams found eight ideas in the margin of Drummond's Bible. Many believe these suggestions may have been the secret of his great power.
I will deal with these suggestions over the next few days, hoping to make them indelible upon the old brain.
Number 1:
Pray.
That's it. No explanation or long dissertation on the origin of prayer, the one to whom directed, how to pray so fervently that God is bound to give in and give you what you want, no necessity of clutching the hanky of some giant of the faith, just one word:
Pray.
Over the course of my life as a Christian I have read volumes on the why, who, where and when of prayer. I suppose if it were not for fire and 'borrowers' I would have at least near the largest collection of writings on prayer in the world. I admit to being deeply moved and even strengthened by many of them. Yes, I, with red face admit to on occasion giving the hanky bit a try!
The truth be known most Christians do not pray. We think about praying, talk about praying, write about praying, form groups for praying, we even insist our leaders get on with the business of praying, but little praying is actually done.
Even Tennyson said more than one word about Prayer. He wrote:
"More things are wrought by prayer, than this world dreams of; wherefore let thy voice rise like a fountain for me, day and night."
I find it comforting that Drummond kept it simple when faced with the decisions of his daily life, Pray.
I wish I could honestly write that my life has been a 'one word' life and that word was Pray. The trouble with me is that I do pray, usually after the horse is out of the barn. I pray for the Lord to get me out of this mess, rather than seriously seeking His face prior to rushing into places and prospects into which angels fear to tread. And then, ah then, I pray. Do I ever!
Jesus said, "Men ought always to pray and not faint." Drummond practiced this and I, by the grace of God, will, in 2006 do the same.
