“The We of Me – Expanding Prayer"
"O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand; to be loved as to love." -Helps teach us how to care and thus be cared for “There is only one prayer in all of the universe and it is ‘O God’ …” Then our experience fills in the predicate: “help” or “what a glorious day.” In the opening chapter of II Corinthians we learn that Paul and Timothy have been under “extreme pressure” hardship and suffering to the brink of death (1:8-11). This call of “O God” is answered by consolation in the suffering. This prayer is here expanded to include the Corinthians. In our praying and actions we are able to console others through the God of all comfort. As this happens we grow in prayer and grace. We do not deny our own need to be consoled, or understood (1:12-14), yet it is in receiving that we are able to give consolation, understanding and pardon.
Comments:
Login to post comments