This is the second book

Prayer 'Gems'

Prayer is not us bringing God into our world to solve our problems,

But God taking us into His world to fulfill His purposes.

Prayer is not us getting God to do what He wants,

But God getting us to do what He wants

For the past few years I have enjoyed my holidays at the Keswick Bible Convention, going there with my good friend Cyril Richmond. We are good friends, having known each other for many years, Cyril's wife Freda and my wife Amy got on so well, the convention in Keswick is the ideal holiday for we two brethren. The hotel where we stay is rather nice, being situated on the edge of Lake Derwentwater. The Mary Mount is well appointed, the dining table is so well spread, the staff are so kind to us and the prices charged most competitive. The staff take the initiative and kindly reserve a table especially for us where we dine, this is interesting in what it implies, it is so kind of them, indeed I almost break forth into song

Out of the window birds and squirrels we see,

They're such a joy to watch.

Glance over the garden, through the trees,

We enjoy it so much.

Then see the lake with the mountain beyond,

It is almost too much

We enjoy the ministry at the morning Bible Readings, this is of a very high standard, talk about the 'Milk of the Word' it is 'Double Cream'. The evening meal is indeed a feast, then off to the convention for further blessings. At the meetings the worship is nice, the music lively without going over the top and the fellowship is enjoyed more so every year we go, it is the ideal holiday for a Christian. Now you could well ask, 'Whatever do we do in the afternoons?' On the Wednesday after the morning meeting we enjoy spending the afternoon on Windermere, this is a special treat for us both. The other days after the service, we obtain some crisps, a drink and drive to one of the beauty spots in the Lake District. Our favorite place is Watendlath, this being beyond the well-known Ashness Bridge. Up there is a small lake which interest the fishermen and we delight is seeing the young and older folk enjoying themselves in the beauty of the countryside, there are also ducks, sheep hens and ponies. Cyril and myself take the opportunity to relax and rest in the car and while doing so I learn some gems of truth, without the good brother understanding his special way of teaching divine truths. This is how it should be; this is fellowship, correctly understood

Last year I learnt a special 'Gem' regarding prayer, this was through those wonderful words in Revelation c3 v20 around which the picture by Holman Hunt was painted. The words are, "Behold I stand at the door and knock, if any man hears my voice and open the door, I will come in to him and SUP WITH HIM and HE WITH ME". Cyril pointed out that our Lord desires to come into the CIRCUMSTANCES of our lives, so that He can take us into HIS CIRCUMSTANCES. With this in mind let us think of our prayer life

In my personal prayers I find it difficult to utter words which cover in a general sense the matters on my mind. I like to pray for folk I know and the CIRCUMSTANCES in their lives. In thinking of folk serving our Lord on the mission field, it is easy to find out about them, not only in our prayer cover for these folk, but also to develop a friendship with them which enriches as the years go by. Why not try this for yourself? For me it is a lovely prayer 'Gem'

Just one point before I go any further, in my study I have my "Prayer Focus Board", this is better knows as my "Rogues Gallery". On this board I fix photos of those in my Prayer Family, this is a help to me and I am sure Amy would have approved

We now come to the second 'Gem'. As we enter into a deeper relationship with our dear Lord through our personal devotions, through Him coming into our CIRCUMSTANCES, He 'sups' with us, for me this is the way it should be. Then he takes us into His CIRCUMSTANCES for us to 'sup' with Him. Our dear heavenly Father wants communion, fellowship with every one of His redeemed people on this personal basis. This is one of the 'joys' which was set before Him and to achieve it, He 'endured The Cross and despised its shame'. Only as we experience this fellowship in this twofold sense in our personal lives, can He employ us in the extension of His Kingdom. Please remember that Rev c3 v20 was written to Christians

One would ask, 'For what should we pray?'. A couple of years ago I was admitted to hospital for an operation. During the few days I was there I enjoyed reading the book 'Lorna Doone' by R D Blackmore and this helped me to relax. The operation was a success and for a few days afterwards I was fully occupied, this was good. The staff were so kind to me, I enjoyed the company of some of the other patients and two in particular, they had an understanding of our Lord. I also prepared an address on 'The Glory of our Lord', did some good reading and they fed me well. I had a good number of visitors and that was delightful, but only received one card which made it very special and I still have it today. On the card were written some very nice words; it was a prayer, the points of which are still being fulfilled in my life today. Please enjoy the following words for yourself

I said a prayer for you today,

I knew God must have heard.

I felt the answer in my heart,

Although He spoke no word

I didn't ask for wealth or fame,

I knew you wouldn't mind,

I asked Him to send treasures,

Of a far more lasting kind

I asked that He'd be near you,

At the start of each new day.

To grant you health and happiness,

And friends to share the way

I asked for happiness for you,

In all things great and small.

But it was for His loving care,

I asked the most of all

Another selfless prayer 'Gem', I treasure it

This is the second book