Non Gamstop CasinosNon Gamstop CasinoNon Gamstop CasinoNon Gamstop CasinoNon Gamstop Casinos
Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland
  Orange Standard

Absolute Need For Prayer...

Article 2 ~ December 2003

Don't worry about anything, but in all your prayers ask God for what you need, always asking him, with a thankful heart.

And God's peace, which is far beyond human understanding, I will keep your hearts and minds safe, in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6,7.

Worry may well be the most common ailment from which people suffer. Everybody has problems and nearly everybody worries about them. It is claimed that women are the greater worriers because they are more sensitive, more aware of the responsibilities of life; more in touch with life's realities and tragedies. The responses of men and women to what effects them deeply are different, for women are more likely to express their emotions in what hurts them. But the feelings, apparently controlled by men can often hide as deep a grief.

The Bible has much to say about worry and the faithlessness and futility of it. The evidence of that is in the many Biblical references in the words and experiences of people who found it to be unnecessary and unprofitable. Among them is the advice of the psalmist in Psalm 37 with its often repeated "fret not;" and Jesus Himself in Matthew 6 with his exhortation, "Take no thought," "don't be anxious," "don't worry."

There is the recognition everywhere in the Scriptures that worry is rooted in dread of what might happen to oneself, one's family and friends; one's property, possessions and prospects in life. Worry is seen as not just concern for the future and what it may hold for us it is the distress of mind which comes from a lively imaginings of what it could bring us. And worries come not only about the future but, from fretting over past mistakes, and mourning over plans which went unfulfilled.

There is the worry from pride, self-consciousness and annoyance over mistakes, indiscretions and misunderstanding that have not been possible to redress. To keep them in mind, except to determine not to repeat them, is a waste of thought and a barrier to mental progress.

Because self-interest is the cause of many of our worries we need to keep reminding ourselves that our lives are for sharing with others. We are living really when how we live is affected by our relationships with them. Christians are encouraged to see life in these relationships with other people and in our dependence on God for the quality and values of our lives to him and to them. We are to be disciplined and controlled by our commitment to Jesus Christ and by our trust in him for the everyday things of life. We are required to "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding." (Proverbs 3:5). The Psalmist tells us "Leave your troubles with the Lord, and he will support you. (55:21). Elsewhere there is that refrain, "Take your troubles to the Lord and leave them there." (cp Pss 37 and 1 Peter 5:7). Joseph Scriven the Banbridge born hymnist put this thought into singable words in his much used:

"What a friend we have in Jesus.
All our sins and griefs to bear.
What a privilege to carry
Every thing to God in prayer.

O what peace we often forfeit,
O what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry
Every thing to God in prayer."

Charles F. Deems echoed that sentiment:

The world is wide
In time and tide.
And God is quick;
Then do not hurry.

That man is blest,
Who does his best,
And leaves the rest;
Then do not worry.

The 'rules' for christian living are here in Philippians 4:6,7.

First: "Don't worry because it is unnecessary, and ineffective in producing desired results or avoiding experiences which should be faced with a clear mind.

Second: "Be thankful" for everything that brings us benefits or just a simple satisfaction with how we are and with the opportunities for living happily and usefully where we are. When we grumble and grouse at people and things an old Irish saying to the able bodied reminds us of how well off we are, "Get down on your knees and thank God you are on your feet." Christianity is the religion of Joy and Gladness in a world often debased by sorrow and sadness. It recognises the realities of life with the good news that in spite of everything we can overcome even the most adverse circumstances by our trust in God and with the conviction that "all things work together for good to them that love God.." (Romans 8:28)

"Be thankful" count your blessings.

Third: "Pray about everything." There is this advice, "If a thing is big enough to concern you; it is not too small for him, because he has set you in his heart."

"Don't worry" the cure for that condition of unease and uncertainty is "to do your best and leave the rest to God." The Psalmist said, "Trust in the Lord, and do good, so you will dwell in the land and enjoy security. Take delight in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and He will act." (Psalm 37:3-5 RSV)

Rev. Canon Dr. S.E. Long

Back to Back ~ Orange Standard Home ~ Issue Index ~ Previous Article~ Next Article

The Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland
Schomberg House, 368 Cregagh Road, Belfast, BT6 9YE
T: +44 (0) 28 9070 1122 ~ F: +44 (0)28 9040 3700
Buy Online - the best way to buy

© Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland 2002-2006

Site Map

Web Design by www.truska.com


Best of the web