A sense of fulfilment is something glorious to behold in those celebrating achievements in which they have played an essential part. As parents and friends hold a newly-born infant in their arms, the sense of awe and fulfilment permeates the whole atmosphere. Such lovely moments are seen in all aspects of human endeavour, and heightened for believers. In their faith, they stop and think first about God's essential role in giving life. They acknowledge and admire the supreme part of science and medicine in the sacred accomplishment.
In the demanding pressures of our times people may wonder that prayer life for them is so often lacking in a sense of fulfilment or liveliness. Making time to think first of God makes all the difference to the life of prayer.
A former Archbishop of Canterbury pointed to the discipline of careful meditation before a living contact with God was realised. Painstaking preparation in prayer produces profound peace. Michael Ramsey was once asked if he found it difficult to pray to God in times of international strains and stresses. "It is never easy," came the reply. "I have just been in this nearby church on my visit for the past half-hour. I became aware in that setting of the presence of God, but it took me 29 minutes to get there." As a teacher of prayer, he knew that the best way of learning to pray was to pray and to persevere.
Taking care to stop and think prior to action is seen to be generally acceptable. Michael Ramsey proved it in his way. Others, in being made ready to pray, will find that counting their blessings one by one allows the Holy Spirit to inspire the vision of God we seek in order to pray to Him.
Dwelling upon the life of Jesus as He went about doing good and healing will fill out the picture of Him with whom we are about to pray. The truth of words that begin a prayer "O God who art more ready to hear than we are to pray" is reassuring. In all of life's circumstances, in the beauty of earth, sea, and sky, are pointers to God's presence, power, love and wisdom.
The call to worshippers by the church down the centuries stirs us to stop and think in preparation for worship: "O come let us sing unto the Lord; let us heartily rejoice in the strength of our salvation. Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving; and shew ourselves glad in him with psalms."
It helps to stop and think about God fulfilling His purpose, even in the little nail on the smallest toe of an infant child's foot. Jesus delighted in the fulfilment of God's purposes. He knelt to share with God The silence of eternity, Interpreted by love. W.W.