Praying …praying …praying …
“But we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” (Acts 6:4)
A young theological student named Prichard made an appointment with the greatly loved Rev Henry Rees of Liverpool. He recounted his interview some years later. He never forgot that time together.
He was taken upstairs to the study and they sat each side of the fire. Henry Rees spoke to him; ‘So your mind is bent on preaching the gospel. That is the most serious and solemn duty any man can ever engage in.’ His hands were on his knees and he rocked slightly to and from as he spoke.
‘Praying …praying …praying …praying …praying …praying …praying …praying …praying…’ repeating it many times, and then adding, ‘We are not aware of the thousandth part of the power praying has upon preaching…’ Then, again slightly rocking back and forth he went on repeating that word, ‘…praying …praying …praying …praying …praying …praying.’
Then he paused for a moment and said, ‘If I were called upon suddenly to preach on any great occasion, and had only two hours of time to prepare for it, I should spend them every moment in praying …praying …praying …praying …praying.’
He wept a great deal as he spoke. Then he regained his composure and said, ‘I cannot tell you what are the best books to read. I don’t know much about books, but try to read those books which will be most likely to nourish and strengthen the spirit of prayer in you. The great thing with preaching is praying …praying …praying …praying …praying.’
Soon the interview came to an end and Prichard went away convicted thinking that these were the most awesome moments he had experienced. If you want to humble a minister then ask him about his praying.
– G. Thomas, ‘A Minster’s Regrets’.