Pulpit Notes: Prayer’s Center

In his book With Open Hands, Henri Nouwen offers the following observation on prayer:

“When you pray, you open yourself to the influence of the Power which has revealed itself as Love. The Power gives you freedom and independence. Once touched by this Power, you are no longer swayed back and forth by the countless opinions, ideas, and feelings which flow through you. You have found a center for your life that gives you a creative distance, so that everything you see, hear, and feel can be tested against the source.”

Let us pray together:

Father, Your love draws us to prayer, Your limitless resources to stewardship, Your strength to boldness, and Your mercy to compassion. Accept our thanks and praise for the irresistible call of Your Holy Spirit. Inspire us, O God, to honor and worship You in the sanctuaries ever more evident in our homes, our work, and our communities. Permit us to be centered in prayer, silent before the mystery of Your presence, challenged and tested by the truth and righteousness of Your Word, and equipped to proclaim the gospel. May the life-centering values and salvation of Your kingdom which Christ ushers in, be ever in our thoughts, prayers, words, and actions this day – an offering in every sanctuary of our lives.  Amen.

Soli Deo Gloria,
Conrad

Reverend Dr. Conrad C. Sharps
Senior Pastor