Weekly Thought > Personal Growth > Barclay's Prayer - Part 1 (Lord, Grant Us)
Select a Category:
Barclay's Prayer - Part 1 (Lord, Grant Us)
Lord, grant us 1) in our work, satisfaction 2) in our leisure, pleasure 3) in our study, wisdom and 4) in our love, loyalty.
Part 1 - "Lord, Grant us"
Years ago this prayer was in a book that I was reading. I was so impressed with the balance of life that I easily memorized it. It was written by William Barclay. Through the years I have repeated it to myself many times and twice I have taught it as a Sunday School lesson. The first time I only taught the four requests. Later, I realized that I had missed the significance of the three opening words.
"Lord" -- one of the major theological questions today is whether Christ can be savior without being lord. Where they appear together I think that it is always Lord and Savior, not Savior and Lord. George Gallup did a survey among the "born again" and found that only 10% considered their faith in daily decision making. He wrote a book entitled, The Saints Among Us indicating that 90% are nominal Christians.
"Grant" -- this reminds us that all good and perfect gifts come from above. We have no demands on God, only requests. Again, the scripture says �you have nothing but what you have received.�
"Us" -- reminds us that Christianity is a community, a body, a family. It is not just an individual experience. It is not like the pine tree that can grow by itself. It is like the redwood that grows in a group with all of the roots supporting the others. Gert Behanna, born and raised in the old Waldorf Astoria in extreme wealth became a Christian in middle age after a life of drugs and alcohol. When she prayed "our Father" she realized that she was a member of a family and gave most of her wealth to needy Christians whom she considered brothers and sisters.
This week think about 1) is Jesus my Lord and Savior? 2) do I see the gracious granting hand of God in my life? 3) do I live as a pine tree or as a redwood?
