And Now for a Little Cowper

The June issue of The Banner of Truth magazine arrived in the mail today, and it reminded me that I should probably spend a little less time grousing and a lot more time contemplating.

The whole magazine is interesting and educational as usual, but there were several items of special interest. The first is a short piece about Protestants in Lebanon. In 1950 there were an estimated 50,000 Protestants in that country. Now the best guess is that there are 3,000. Two groups, the Middle East Reformed Fellowship and Lebanon Reformed Fellowship - both founded by Lebanese- are, through radio and the Internet, working to bring the Gospel to that troubled country, and to the MIddle East as a whole. If you have a concern about spreading the Word in that area you might want to consider adding thse groups to your prayer list.

There was also a small piece about a British organization called Christians at Work. The name is pretty self explanatory. The have a website that may be of interest:Christians at Work - Home . I've also added their site to the link list.

Now, as promised, a little William Cowper.

PRAYER

What various hindrances we meet,

In coming to the mercy seat!

Yet who that knows the worth of prayer,

But wishes to be often there?

Prayer makes the darkened cloud withdraw,

Prayer climbs the ladder Jacob saw,

Gives exercise to faith and love;

Brings every blessing from above.

Restraining prayer, we cease to fight;

Prayer makes the Christian's armour bright:

And Satan trembles when he sees

The weakest saint upon his knees.

While Moses stood with arms spread wide,

Success was found on Israel's side;

But when, through weariness, they failed,

That moment Amalek prevailed.

Have you no words? Ah! think again;

Words flow apace when you complain,

And fill your fellow-creature's ear

With the sad tale of all your care.

Were half the breath thus vainly spent,

To heaven in supplication sent,

Your cheerful song would oftener be,

'Hear what the Lord has done for me.'

Ouch!