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The Church at Prayer

The Church at Prayer          "PRAYER OF RELINQUISHMENT" – Part 2               September 2, 2008

      Last week our exploration into the Prayer of Relinquishment wound up with Richard J. Foster's message of home: ".…remember, we are dealing with the crucifixion of the will, not (its) obliteration.  Crucifixion always has resurrection tied to it."  He goes on to say:      "Do you know what a great freedom this crucifixion of the will is? …It means freedom from the self-sins: self-sufficiency, self-pity, self-absorption, self-abuse, …self-indulgence, self-hatred, and a host of others just like them.  It means freedom from the everlasting burden of always having to get out own way.  It means freedom to care for others, to genuinely put their needs first, to give joyfully and freely.
     Little by little we are changed by this daily crucifixion of the will.  Changed, …like a grain of sand in an oyster changes things.  New graces emerge: new ability to cast all our care upon God, new joy at the success of others, new hope in a God who is good."
     Today we look at the 'Practice of Prayer' through Foster's eyes:
           "Only through the specifics of daily life can you be led into the Prayer of Relinquishment.  The will is surrendered moment by moment as you face the ordinary decisions of home, family, and job. …the practice will come through lived experience."

"First, learn the prayer of self-emptying. …pray through Philippians 2…Bid the …Spirit of
                            God to apply your prayer to the specifics of your day. Wait quietly.
                            Listen carefully. Obey immediately. 

             Second, learn the prayer of surrender…go with Jesus into the Garden.  Stay awake and
                              watch."     (Read the account from Matthew 26, Mark 14, or Luke 22 – remembering the conclusion to
                              Jesus' prayer: 'Not my will, but yours be done.')  "Invite the resurrected one to interpret the
                               words into your life, your family, your vocation.

             Third, learn the prayer of abandonment. …You might want to use the words of
                            Charles de Foucauld … (see below)  Allow the Sovereign of your heart to
                             specify  what needs to be laid at his feet.

 Fourth, learn the prayer of release…lift up into his arms your children, spouse, your
                            friends.  Next place into his loving care your future–hopes–dreams. 
                          Finally, hold up to him your enemies–angers–desire for retaliation….turn
                           around and walk away.  He will care for everything as he sees fit.

             Fifth, learn the prayer of resurrection…'bring back to life what will please you
                         and advance your kingdom. …Thank you, Lord, for resurrection.' …Some
                         things will remain dead  …better for you that they do.  Others will burst
                         forth into new life in such a way that you will hardly recognize them. …rest in the
                         confidence that God is better than you are at resurrection."

                                                                   Prayer of Abandonment

by Charles de Foucauld

                                                 Father, I abandon myself into your hands;
                                                         do with me what you will.
                                                Whatever you may do, I thank you.
                                                I am ready for all, I accept all.
                                                Let only your will be done in me
                                                        and in all your creatures.
                                                I wish no more than this, O Lord.
                                                Into your hands I commit my soul;
                                                        I offer it to you with all the love of my heart,
                                                        for I love you, Lord,
                                                       and therefore need to give myself,
                                                      to surrender myself into your hands,
                                                       without reserve, and with boundless confidence,
                                                       for you are my Father.

  PRAYER OF RELINQUISHMENT" – Part 2

 Concluding Time of Worship:  The following hymn lyrics, written by James Montgomery, are based upon the words of one of his disciples in Luke 11:1 – "Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples." 

                                                    LORD, TEACH US HOW TO PRAY ARIGHT

Lord, teach us how to pray aright
with reverence and with fear;
though weak and sinful in your sight,
we may, we must draw near.

We perish if we cease from prayer:
O grant us power to pray;
And when to meet you we prepare,
 Lord, meet us by the way.

 O God of love, before your face
We come with contrite heart
to ask from you these gifts of grace–
truth in the inward part:

Faith in the only sacrifice
that can for sin atone;
to found our hopes, to fix our eyes
on Christ, and Christ alone:

Patience to watch and weep and wait,
whatever you may send;
courage that will not hesitate
to trust you to the end.

Give these, and then your will be done;
thus, strengthened with all might,
we through your Spirit and your Son
shall pray, and pray aright.