There, in heaven, this infinite fountain of love — this eternal Three in One — is set open without any obstacle to hinder access to it, as it flows forever. There this glorious God is manifested and shines forth in full glory, in beams of love. And there this glorious fountain forever flows forth in streams, yea, in rivers of love and delight, and these rivers swell, as it were, to an ocean of love, in which the souls of the ransomed may bathe with the sweetest enjoyment, and their hearts, as it were, be deluged with love!
~ Jonathan Edwards (1703-1758)
Author: A Prayer Life
Wisdom & Knowledge
Wisdom rests in the heart of one who has understanding…
~ Proverbs 14:33 (NAS)
Wisdom is understanding in action. Wisdom is applied knowledge. And while knowledge may reside in the head, wisdom rests in the heart. Bare knowledge left to itself creates pride. But when filtered through the wisdom of the heart, understanding and knowledge are wonderful things that can a blessing and used to serve the Lord. Therefore never leave knowledge to itself. Let us always allow the thoughts of our head to flow through the wisdom of our heart before applying it in our life. For whosoever does this, is the one who has true understanding.
~apl
Poetic Prayer
As in poetry, so in prayer, the whole subject matter should be furnished by the heart, and the understanding should be allowed only to shape and arrange the effusions of the heart in the manner best adapted to answer the end designed. From the fullness of a heart overflowing with holy affections, as from a copious fountain, we should pour forth a torrent of pious, humble and ardently affectionate feelings; while our understandings only shape the channel and teach the gushing streams of devotion where to flow, and when to stop.
~ Edward Payson (1783-1827)
Difficult & Untried
The Christian ideal has not been tried and found wanting. It has been found difficult; and left untried.
~ G.K. Chesterton (1874-1936)
Melt The World
Kindness makes a person attractive. If you would win the world, melt it, do not hammer it.
~ Alexander MacLaren (1826-1910)
Sunshine Blogger Award
“A Prayer Life” was graciously nominated by Theodora at “Amazing Grace” blog for the Sunshine Blogger Award. I am very humbled and blessed by this recognition. (I didn’t know such an award existed). As part of the nomination process, and to get to know your fellow bloggers a little better, she posed the following 11 questions to her nominees. I will do my best to give my answers here. I pray all who read this blog are blessed for having done so.
1. How old is your blog?
I started ‘A Prayer Life’ in September 2019.
2. What do you enjoy most about blogging?
Reaching others with the the hope and love of God in Christ.
3. How important do you think Social Media is for the success of a blog?
If used with integrity and discretion, Social Media can be a wonderful tool for reaching others with your message.
4. How would you define a successful blog? In other words, what do you think a successful blog looks like?
A successful blog accomplishes it’s purpose; whatever purpose the blogger has in mind.
5. Describe your feelings when you received your first blogging award nomination?
Surprised and humbled. 🙂
6. Have you ever thought about monetizing your blog?
No, not at this time.
7. If so, what do you think is the best method for monetizing?
By providing a link or some other method for people to give or contribute.
8. What kind of post do you find easiest or most enjoyable to write?
Brief Biblical, devotional and thought-provoking posts.
9. What do you think is best, long or short posts?
Short posts. I think brevity in writing makes the writer think more concise, and for the reader, the message more succinct.
10. Funny/weird Question: What is the weirdest thing you have ever eaten?
A gnat. (Not intentionally)
11. What is your favourite way to unwind after a hectic day?
A quiet evening with soft music, beautiful weather and good conversation.
Peace & Quiet
Oh, how great peace and quietness would he possess who should cut off all vain anxiety and place all his confidence in God.
~ Thomas a’ Kempis (1380-1471)
Embraced By Faith
Because all men be sinners and offenders against God, and breakers of His law and commandments, therefore can no man by his own acts, works, and deeds (seem they never so good) be justified, and made righteous before God: But every man of necessity is constrained to seek for another righteousness or justification, to be received at God’s own hands, that is to say, the forgiveness of his sins and trespasses, in such things as he hath offended. And this justification or righteousness, which we so receive of God’s mercy and Christ’s merits, embraced by faith, is taken, accepted, and allowed of God, for our perfect and full justification.
~ Thomas Cranmer (1489-1556)
Day By Day
The Mightiest Weapon
Prayer is the mightiest weapon that God has placed in our hands. It is the best weapon to use in every difficulty, and the surest remedy in every trouble. It is the key that unlocks the treasury of promises, and the hand that draws forth grace and help in time of need. It is the silver trumpet that God commands us to sound in all our necessity; it is the cry He has promised always to listen to.
~ J. C. Ryle (1816-1900)
