-
Twentieth Centuries. His Wife Was A Minister's ... PRO
Contributed by R. David Reynolds on Sep 21, 2007 (message contributor)
twentieth centuries. His wife was a minister’s daughter, and their Church was College Avenue Methodist Church in Somerville, Massachusetts [SOURCE: http://www.ethicalstl.org/platforms/platform071199.shtml]. Many of his, matter-of-fact poems still speak vividly to us today. I have always especially appreciated “The Prayer of Cyrus Brown”:
“The proper way for a man to pray,”
Said Deacon Lemuel Keyes,
“And the only proper attitude
Is down upon his knees.”
“No, I should say the way to pray,”
Said Reverend Doctor Wise,
“Is standing straight with outstretched arms
And rapt and upturned eyes.”
“Oh, no, no, no,” said Elder Slow,
“Such posture is too proud.
A man should pray with eyes fast-closed
And head contritely bowed.”
“It seems to me his hand should be
Austerely clasped in front
With both thumbs pointing toward the ground,”
Said Reverend Doctor Blunt.
“Well, I pray while resting every day,”
Said Mr. Henry Pack.
“So I should think you say your prayers
While lying on your back.”
“Last year I fell in Murphy’s well—
Headfirst,” said Cyrus Brown.
“With both my knees a’stickin’ up
And my head a’pointin’ down.”
“And I made a prayer right then and there,
The best prayer I ever said,
The prayingest prayer I ever prayed,
A’standing on my head.”
“So, if your...
Continue reading this sermon illustration (Free with PRO)Related Sermon Illustrations
-
One Sunday Evening, William Booth Was Walking In ... PRO
Contributed by Dan Cormie on Sep 15, 2003
One Sunday evening, William Booth was walking in London with his son, Bramwell, who was then 12 or 13 years old. The father surprised the son by taking him into a saloon! The place was crowded with men and women, many of them bearing on their faces the marks of vice and crime; some were drunk. The ...read more
-
A Faithful Christian Soldier Went To His ... PRO
Contributed by Sean Smuts on Aug 4, 2003
A faithful Christian soldier went to his chaplain for advice. “Last night,” he said, “when I knelt by my bed and prayed, the fellows began to ridicule me and throw shoes at me. What should I do?” “Well,” said the chaplain, “why don’t you stop kneeling down? Just lie down in bed and lift your heart ...read more
-
I Am Reminded Of The Story Of A Preacher Who ... PRO
Contributed by William Wyne on Sep 8, 2003
I am reminded of the story of a Preacher who asked a boy about the presence of God. The Preacher said to him, "Son, I will give you an apple if you can tell me where God is". The boy looked at the Preacher, then he looked at the apple, he said, ...read more
-
There's A Story Of The Italian Poet Dante ... PRO
Contributed by Pat Cook on Aug 4, 2003
There’s a story of the Italian poet Dante Alighieri, who was deeply immersed in meditation during a church service, and he failed to kneel at the appropriate moment. His enemies hurried to the bishop and demanded that Dante be punished for his sacrilege. Dante defended himself by saying, “If those ...read more
-
John Piper Wrote, "What Is God Looking For In ... PRO
Contributed by Dana Chau on Apr 17, 2003
John Piper wrote, "What is God looking for in the world? Assistants? No. The gospel is not a help-wanted ad. It is a help-available ad. God is not looking for people to work for ...read more
Related Sermons
-
Lord - Teach Us To Pray Series
Contributed by Tom Shepard on Aug 29, 2013
The Lord's Prayer Is GOD Centered - The Lord's Prayer Is KINGDOM Centered - The Lord's Prayer is BASICS Centered - The Lord's Prayer is FORGIVENESS Centered - The Lord's Prayer is PROTECTION Centered
-
Ask, Seek, Knock Series
Contributed by Ernie Arnold on Jul 8, 2016
What does Jesus mean by ASK, SEEK, KNOCK? 1. ASK - Acknowledge our need and be ready to receive transformation 2. SEEK - Become an active partner with the LORD in your life 3. KNOCK - Be Ready to Welcome and Go through God's Open Doors
-
The Power Of Helpless Praying
Contributed by Bob Joyce on Aug 30, 2007
You cannot know that God answers helpless prayers until you are in a helpless and hopeless situation. Only then will you come to know God as the God who answers helpless prayers.
-
Fill 'er Up: A Praying Community Series
Contributed by Paul Decker on Sep 17, 2006
We should pray for our spiritual growth.
-
The 5 P’s Of Prayer Series
Contributed by Dennis Lee on Aug 17, 2016
"The 5 P's of Prayer" is part of our Sermon on the Mount series and brings a better understanding of the Lord's Prayer, as we look at God's person, program, provision, pardon, and protection along with the spirit of prayer.