The Disciples Ponder

Pray without ceasing. How to pray.

(The Gospel History, Section 116)

And he spake a parable unto them to the end that they ought always to pray, and not to faint; saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, and regarded not man: and there was a widow in that city; and she came oft unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary. And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man; yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest she wear me out by her continual coming. And the Lord said, Hear what the unrighteous judge saith. And shall not God avenge his elect, which cry to him day and night, and he is longsuffering over them? I say unto you, that he will avenge them speedily. Howbeit when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?

The Disciples Ponder

(The Saviour of the World, Vol VII Book I Poem XIII)

Th’ disciples pondered, here were subtle words.
How should a man’s dull spirit penetrate
Their mystery and learn what He would have
Them do: Quick heavy woes should fall on her
The city of their pride: What was their part?
Not theirs to help; they could but rise and flee.

Now, seeing their distress, the Lord told tale
As first faint glimmer of the morning light.
A door of hope in castle of despair,—
Aye, they could help! A rope was stretched to them
Whereby, perchance, to draw their nation up
From the brink of iniquity where she lay!
Importunate, persistent, they must pray.
What strength of prayer was in their feeble souls?
Already their hearts failed before the thought
Of help laid on them; what knew they of prayer?
Sure, God knew best, how dared they importune,
And in what manner might they deem presume
To seek the eternal Ear?

The Lord, aware

Of the doubting thoughts, disturbed these simple men,
Again told tale should teach us all to pray,
To intercede for sinners.

St. Luke xviii. 1-8