Quotation of the Week: On Prayer

Praying at my desk from 1928 Book of Common Prayer

This week was a week for prayer. With the tornados in Joplin, Missouri (where an friend from junior high lives with his family; they're fine, thanks be to God), a busy week for me plus a flare-up of my rheumatoid arthritis, and Memorial Day tomorrow, it's been a blessing to bow head, fold hands, bend knees, quiet heart, and seek God.

As I become more accustomed to praying from the Book of Common Prayer 2011, I find myself praying certain prayers more than others, including this Collect for the Spirit of Prayer:

O GOD, you pour the spirit of grace and prayer on all who desire your help; As we draw close to you, keep us from hardness of heart and wandering minds, so that in our thoughts and actions, we may worship you in spirit and in truth; Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
(James 4.8; Ephesians 4.18; John 4.24) (page 60, BCP 2011)

And as we light candles to remind us of the Light of the World, shining through the darkness...as we lift hands in praise and supplication before the King of kings and Lord of lords...as we seek His face, the One we seek, we hope and pray:

"And help us, this and every day, to live more nearly as we pray."
--John Keble (1792-1866)

And so may we all do so, "this and every day."

Glory to the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit; As it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever; Now and always. Amen.
(The Gloria Patri, BCP 2011)

Praying with you this day,