Through the ages, devout belivers in Christ have recognized the neccessity of maintaningan intimate relationship with God through His ordained channel of prayer. It has often been said that prayer is as basic to spiritual life as breathing is to our natural lives. It is not merely an occasional impulse to which we respond when we ase in trouble; prayer is a way of life.
Nevertheless, we need to set aside a special time for prayer. We need that daily "Sweet Hour of Prayer." This song is thought to have been written in 1842 by William W. Walford, an obscure and blind lay preacher who was the owner of a small trinket shop in the little village of Coleshill, England.
The first two stanza of today's hymn remind us of the blessings of prayer - relief for our troubled lives and the assurance of a God who is conserned about our every need. The final stanza anticipates the day when we will no longer need to pray, for we'll be as home in heaven with our Lord.
There is also an interesting refrence in this verse to a Mount Pisgah - the place where God instructed Moses in Deuteronomy 3:27 to go and merely veiw the promised land since, because of disobedience, he would never be permitted to enter it.
Sweet Hour of Prayer
Sweet hour of prayer, sweet hour of prayer, that calls me from a world of care and bids me at my Father's throne make all my wants and wishes known! In seasons of destress and grief, my soul has often found relief, and oft escaped the tempter's snare by thy return, sweet hour of prayer.
Sweet hour of prayer, Sweet hour of prayer, thy wings shall my petition bear to Him whose truth and faithfulness engage the waiting soul to bless; and since He bids me seek His face, believe His Word and trust His grace, I'll cast on Him my ev'ry care, and wait for thee, sweet hour of prayer.
Sweet hour of prayer, sweet hour of prayer, may I thy consolation share, till from Mount Pisgah's lofty height I view my home and take my flight: This robe of flesh I'll drop, and rise to seize the everlasting prize, and shout, while passing thru the air, "Farewell, farewell, sweet hour of prayer!"
taken from Amazing Grace 366 Inspiring Hym Stories for Daily Devtions by Kenneth W. Osbeck posted by Sarah Y.
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2 comments:
Wow. This really got my attention, especially the part that said, "prayer is as basic to spiritual life as breathing is to our natural lives." That's interesting, because I often find myself going about it the other way - the "occasional impulse" way. Not that I only turn to God when I'm in trouble, but that I often turn to God only on impulse - be it an impulse to praise him or an impulse to confess something...whatever the case may be. These are good things, but I probably shouldn't pat myself on the back just yet, huh? 'Cause I have to wonder if I really recognize prayer as something to be associated with breathing. That's pretty darn powerful when you think about it, and it's totally true. Prayer is more than something I do when the time calls for it - it is the essence of my relationship with God. It is a constant thing...it's like instant messenger. It's a great way to communicate - when you're online. But if you're not available, it's of no use, right? Our prayer life should be an instant messenger with God in which our status is always "Available". I know, that's a lame analogy, but oh well...
Thanks for this reminder.
I couldn't say it or agrea with you more.
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