Matthew 5:3 (NASB)
3 Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

“We do much more by a gentle and tranquil concentration in the presence of God than by the greatest eagerness and all the efforts of our restless nature” Francois Fenelon

I have been reading writings this week from Francois Fenelon, a 17th century priest. He has a clarity of thought which is based upon an amazing knowledge of scripture (that knowledge of scripture is something that Pastor Kevin strongly encouraged us today to pursue). Knowledge of scripture is where prayer begins.

“A necessary foundation to prayer is meditating and thinking on the great truths that God has revealed. We should be familiar with all the mysteries of Jesus Christ and the truths of His gospel. …These truths should become so familiar to us that we acquire the habit of never forming any judgment except in their light, so that they may be our guide in what we do. … It is when these truths are inwardly incorporated in us that our praying begins to be real and fruitful.” Francois Fenelon

Jesus taught us in the Sermon on the Mount that we must consciously depend on Him rather than ourselves. We are “poor” inwardly, having no ability within ourselves to please God. That starts with knowledge of His Word and a prayer life that is steeped in that knowledge. It continues with prayer that is focused on God and not ourselves.

We will not meet for prayer again this Tuesday as VBS continues. Please continue to pray for VBS, that a great harvest would be accomplished through what God is doing in and through the children.

Always praying for the glory of God,
Chris McKean