Saturday, August 29, 1998
Saturday, August 29, 1998
The LORD takes pleasure in those who fear him, in those who hope in his
steadfast love. (Psalms 147:11
NRSV)
H.G. Wells once told a fascinating story. It is about an Episcopalian bishop, though he could have
been a cleric in any denomination. He was the kind of man who could always be counted on to
provide a pious platitude. He had a favorite answer that always served him in good stead. When
troubled folks came to him, he would assume his best stained-glass voice and ask, "Have you
prayed about it?" If said in just the right way, no more needed to be said.
The bishop himself didn't pray much. After all, his life was quite uneventful. He felt quite
self-sufficient. One day, however, life tumbled in on him, and he found himself overwhelmed. It
occurred to the bishop that maybe he should take some of his own advice. So, one Saturday
afternoon he entered the cathedral. He knelt down and folded his hands before the altar. He could
not help but think how childlike he was.
Then he began to pray, "O God...." Suddenly there was a voice. It was crisp, businesslike. The
voice said, "Well, what is it?"
When the worshipers came to Sunday services the next morning, they found the bishop sprawled
face down before the altar. When they turned him over, they discovered he was dead. Lines of
horror were etched upon his face. The good bishop had advised others to approach God in prayer,
but when he found himself face to face with the Almighty, it scared him literally to death.
The question for us today is will we allow our fears to move us closer to God's presence? God
will respond to us if we do.
Prayer: God of all, may my fear be used for good in moving me closer to your
empowering love. Amen.
Ronald Newhouse, Texas, USA