This resolution of Daily United Prayer is based on An Humble Attempt, originally put forward by Jonathan Edwards in 1748. Its design is to encourage God's people in the duty of united extraordinary prayer; setting aside some time every day to pray for the revival of His church and the advancement of Christ's kingdom in our homes, in our churches, in our nation, and in the world.
"I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread." Psalm 37:25.
I read these words this morning and they made a deep impression on me for some reason. There will be a memorial service webcast today at 4pm EDT (8pm UK) in Hebron FPC to mark the one-year anniversary of Dr Alan Cairns' passing. If you recall, I wrote a small tribute for him a year ago as he made such a big impact on my life. I also found another short clip of him recently that I thought you all would enjoy.
In the words of Psalm 37:25, there was a time when I was young. I remember those days in my late teens and twenties when I had what seemed like limitless energy and zeal. Staying up all night to work on the beginnings of SermonAudio was not difficult and quite commonplace. But now I am old(er). I still do have to stay up late to work but although the spirit is willing, the flesh is weak and I will often fall asleep—even in the middle of an active phone call! My co-worker has said to me on more than one occasion, "Are you still there?" Sadly, I can relate to the disciples in the garden. :( How fast the years go by. When you are young, it is difficult to grasp, but everyone that is older understands just how short our time is. I don't know about you, but when I consider those words, "I have been young and now am old," it gives me the courage to take another step of faith while I still have opportunity. I don't want to get to my deathbed with any regrets. Wishing I had said something instead of remaining silent. Wishing I had been more of an encourager instead of being a peddler of doubt and discouragement. Wishing I had taken a step of faith instead of being so paralyzed with the fear of man or the fear of failure. Lord, teach us to number our days, die to self, and fill us with a willingness to make attempts for God. If we fail, we fail trying. But when we come to our end, we will have no regrets.
"IT MAY BE that the LORD will work for us: for there is no restraint to the LORD to save by many or by few." 1 Sam 14:6.
DAILY UNITED PRAYER unitedprayer.net
Mon-Fri @ 12pm EDT // Sat @ 10am EDT
We invite you to join our dedicated and earnest group of praying participants of all ages from around the world that meet every day over Zoom to pray. At the start of each prayer call, a different individual will bring a brief Scriptural meditation. Here's the most recent: