Our Part in Prayer

Some go to God in prayer
As though they would be heard
By merit of their earnestness,
Or power of their word;
As though God did not want to bless,
Or to their crying heed,
But might be influented to hear
If thy could prove their need.

Some go to God in prayer
With broken, bleeding hearts,
Craving the peace and victory
Which He alone imparts.
They lay their burdens down
On shoulders that are strong.
Then take them back upon their own
And carry them along.

Some humbly talk to God;
Confess their helplessness,
And having laid their burdens down
Trust Him to do the rest.
Such go away in peace
And win the victor's shout,
To watch with interest, and see
How He will work things out.

by : Barbara Ryberg

Praying with Power

The hammer was useless laying up on the shelf.
It had not an ounce of strength in itself.
Then I took it and raised it and wielded the blows
and the nails went the place they were wanted to go.

My prayer, it was lifeless and the words I said
were empty, and useless, my emotions were dead.
Then the Spirit took hold and lifted my soul,
my thoughts and desires were held in control.

And the words as I spoke seemed to echo through space,
for my prayer had ascended the throne of God's grace

by : Marie Boeman