Devotional 2-10-08

I have recently read Russell D. Lowther’s book, Laughter and Tears in the Mountains, which is about his four years as pastor of the Earl Charge in Nicholas County, West Virginia, during the 1930s. At one point in that book, he comments on the “Prayer Rock” which was located in a rugged place in the woods not far from Mount Nebo in Nicholas County. He comments that several men frequented this place of prayer as a special place where they felt closer to God. They knew, he comments, that “God is everywhere at all times, but they felt somehow that they could more nearly ‘touch the fringe of his garment’ here than anywhere.”

As I read that passage, I wondered how many of us spent enough time in prayer to even consider having a special place at which we commune with God. Rev. Lowther notes that frequently when someone in that area was seriously ill or greatly grieved, someone would saddle a horse and ride to the home of the man of prayer near the great rock, and request him to pray. He would arise, light his lantern, and make off across his garden into the woods to his special place of prayer.

Is prayer that much a part of your life? One of Jim Ray’s favorite songs was, “How Long Has It Been?” The first verse is:

How long has it been, since you talked with the Lord,
And told Him your heart’s hidden secrets?
How long since you prayed,
How long since you stayed
On your knees ‘til the light shone through?

How long has it been since your mind felt at ease,
How long since your heart knew no burden?
Can you call Him your friend,
How long has it been,
Since you knew that He cared for you?

I invite you to follow the words of Paul, “Pray without ceasing.” (I Thess. 5:17) It will change your life.

Joe Shreve