Your rationale for agreeing with Whitney regarding the importance of spiritual discipline
was right in line with scripture where it states, “Therefore, each of you must put off
falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body”
(Ephesians 4:25, NIV). As Christians we are charged with making disciples and this is
only possible through right living which is only possible by disciplining ourselves to the
things of God. In reflecting upon the three areas of spiritual discipline you need to
improve upon my attention is especially drawn to the discipline of prayer. I am reminded
that nothing good happens without a strong prayer life. Scripture tells the believer, “Pray
without ceasing” (1Thessalonians 5:17, ESV) t goes on to remind us, “do not be anxious
about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your
requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all
understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7,
ESV). As Christians it is incumbent that we maintain a strong prayer life in order for the
work and will of God to be manifested in our lives and represent and outward reflection
of a Christlikeness. I think the way Whitney deals with the subjects of both
meditation and prayer is phenomenal.[1] In fact, ever since I read these portions
of the text, I have been digging insatiably for further discovery.
a a a a a a a a a a In the meantime, I think I may have found one more reason why people
have some difficulty with prayer—namely, the word, “pray.” This is old language. I
believe when the average American encounters the word, they hear the contexts
of “begging/pleading” or, in some other manner, “requesting earnestly,” etc. But, in
the older forms of English, it may also intend “please”—for example, “Pray, tell me
more”—and includes non-requests (where God is concerned) such as merely
giving thanks. In any event, what is often missed, I think, is the simple context of
conversation. As it concerns the Christian, one merely speaks to one’s Father,
one’s confidant, one’s friend, one’s Lord. And we all have immense experience
communicating with those to whom we have grown close. That should not be lost
here.
a a a a a a a a a a But, for me, the most profound thing found in Whitney is what, according
to him, appears to be lost in the relationship between reading Scripture and
progression from that activity to prayer—meditation.[2] Additionally, I think he is
absolutely correct. I was more convinced when, pursuant to his citations, I located
the autobiography of George Müller—the one in his own words—and began to read
his experiences.[3] These have begun to make a world of difference in my life.
Bibliography
Müller, George.
Autobiography of George Müller or A Million and a Half Answer to
Prayer.
4th Edition. London: Pickering & Inglis, 1929.
