A Reminder

In the busyness of day to day ministry it is easy to forget our source of power. I find myself more often than not relying on my abilities, my ideas and my strength. A few days ago I was reading "The Life and Diary of David Brainerd" a missionary to Native Americans in the 1700's. What he wrote reminded me again of the importance of prayer. Here is what he wrote:

Having now a happy opportunity of being retired in a house of my own, which I have lately procured and moved into, and considering that it is now a long time since I have been able, either on account of bodily weakness, or from want of retirement, or some other difficulty, to spend time in secret fasting and prayer; considering also the greatness of my work, and the extreme difficulties that attend it; and that my poor Indians are now worshiping devils, notwithstanding all the pains I have taken with them, which almost overwhelms my spirit; moreover considering my extreme barrenness, spiritual deadness and dejection, of late; as also the power of some particular corruptions; I set apart this day for secret prayer and fasting, to implore the blessing of God on myself, on my poor people, on my friends, and on the church of God.

A good reminder.