John Chrysostom penned the following many many years ago (400s), and the truth remains today. In a culture where many rely on television sound bites, self-help books, life coaching gurus, and other various forms of “wisdom”, it is a needed reminder of where we must go for true help and insight into our lives. Prayer, communication with the One who created this world, is the ultimate source of provision for all of our lives. In our times of need, amidst the battles we face, beneath the pounding and raging of the storms which befall us, …let us not forget prayer. He is our refuge, our very present help in trouble. There is no place to turn as sure as this. He writes,
“The potency of prayer hath subdued the strength of fire; it hath bridled the rage of lions, hushed anarchy to rest, extinguished wars, appeased the elements, burst the chains of death, expanded the gates of heaven, subdued evil instincts, assuaged diseases, repelled frauds, rescued cities from destruction, stayed the sun in its course, and arrested the progress of the thunderbolt. Prayer is an all-sufficient panoply, a treasure undiminished, a mine which is never exhausted, a sky unobscured by the clouds, a heaven unruffled by the storm. It is the root, the fountain, and the mother of a thousand blessings.”
Praying,
Bruce Smith
optimuslife.org