May 28th.

Waiapu Church Gazette, Volume VI, Issue 10, 1 April 1916, Page 135

May 28th.

(Fifth Sunday after Easter.) Subject — . - PRAYER. Scripture References : I^uke xi. I, Matthew, vi. 9. Prayer is speaking to God and letting, God speak to us. We can-

not pray unless we first empty pur( minds of worldly thoughts or let holy thoughts drive them out. Saying prayers and all the time 'thinking of something else is insulting God. _ Always begin your praters by shutting, out the world and being alone with God. That ,in itself is a prayer. Never mind whether you say anything or not at first. Let Gpd talk to you ; then say, "In the Name of the Father, etc.," then, " lyord, ' have mercy on ine, the sinner," and then, "Our Father." Think of God's love to you His child ; thank Him. for all He has done for you ; ask for His help and guidance and protection, then pray for others — relations, friends, the sick and sad, clergy, soldiers and sailors, the heathen and unbelievers ; then special prayers for your own wants. At evening prayer, in addition to the above, confess anything you have done wrong and ask forgiveness and say " Now the day is over." The teacher will amplify these suggestions for private prayers. The chief points to be impressed are that (i) God, our Father, is holy and we are sinners ; (2.) Our own desires must be subject to His approval, but He is willing to give more than either we desire or deserve ; (3) That we should always pray for others. Teach the children to use the Church for private pra3 r er. It is almost impossible for children to obtain the requisite privacy in their homes — they cannot be expected ever to form the habit of prayer unless they use the Church or some other place where thev can get absolute silence. The attempts of the eighteenth centutv to stamp out enthusiasm and fervour from the Church even were very successful, and their efforts have not even yet been remedied. Teach the children to always remember the sacred presence of Jesus in Church and it will help them tremendously in their prayers there. This lesson has dealt with private prayer. Public prayer can hardly be adequately dealt with in this lesson, but the main points are : (1) To say a prayer on entering the Church and before leaving it. (2) To join in all the parts of the service intended for the congregation. (3) To give the whole attention to the service and put away

all other thoughts. (4) To kneel right down ; the _s<quat is decidedly irreverent and lazy, and a certain symptom that the squatter does not m the least realise the presence of God ; similarly to stand for praise without lolling against the forms m front. Children should be asked frequently about their private prayers and their attendance at Church. It is oi supreme importance that children should be taught Christian practices. Comment on their absence from Cirarch and let them know they are looked for there. I/ittle children should not be expected to stay for the sermon. As regards- private prayers, see that older children do not go on using baby prayers. Their development m the practice of prayer should be assisted ; no doubt the Vicar will be able to recommend suitable forms'. This Sunday is sometimes called Rogation Sunday. Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday m this week are the Rogation days, originally appointed as days of prayer for yGod's blessing specially upon the growing crops. In former times, and still m some parishes, the clergy and choir " beat the bounds" — that is, march m procession round the parish praying for God's blessing. ., See hymns for Rogation-tide.