Written by Toyohiko Kagawa (1888-1960), a Japanese peace activist. This is an excerpt from his book “Living Out Christ’s Love.”
I am particularly struck with the fact that Christ’s prayer was not in the least for himself. If prayer has meaning only for oneself, it will not be heard. If it voices the aspirations of humanity, it will be heard. There was not the slightest trace of selfishness in Christ’s prayer: “If for the redemption of humankind, it is necessary that I should be killed, I am willing to go to my death” This attitude is the acme of the life of faith. To pray in this spirit is the highest type of religious consciousness. When in poverty, distress, or any sort of trouble we pray in this spirit, we gain the victory.
Prayer:
Germaine Copeland, contemporary pastor and author. This prayer is an excerpt from her book “Prayers that Avail Much.”
Holy Spirit, teach us how to agree (harmonize together, together make a symphony) — about anything and everything — so that whatever we ask will come to pass and be done for us by our Father in heaven. We pray that as members of the Body of Christ we will live as becomes us — with complete lowliness of mind (humility) and meekness (unselfishness, gentleness, mildness), with patience, bearing with one another and making allowances because we love one another. In the name of Jesus, we are eager and strive earnestly to guard and keep the harmony and oneness of [produced by] the Spirit in the binding power of peace. .May I always remember, Lord, that you are able to do far more than I could ever imagine by your power at work within me. And may I live each day as if this were really true! Amen.
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