Saturday, May 10, 2008

Is it any wonder?

I remember a tv ad encouraging the purchase of some chocolate something-or-other and praising its "decadent sensation" or something similar. Do we now imagine that decadence is merely harmless, self-indulgent pleasure?

In fact, decadence leads to decay or is a form of it. Is it any wonder?

Friday, May 02, 2008

Still

I still find it difficult to be still.

Sacrifice of Prayer

We've heard of sacrifice of praise (Hebrews 13:15). I remember when I was more prone to prayer. As I give thanks to God for the food I'm about to eat, I remember that I once had the practice of praying with a sacrificial attitude. That sounds odd, I know. But what I mean is, I did not rush through it. Even with steaming hot, delicious food in front of my face, I got still. I prayed without any concern for how long it might take. The food wasn't the issue, I suppose. I prayed not out of duty, but out of desire. I relaxed, sat still, and waited AS I prayed, having submitted to God with a prayerful attitude, as opposed to being in a hurry to eat. Just now I felt more truly in prayer than I have in a long time. I want that to be the norm again. Am I making any sense?