Both our Lord and His bondslave Paul made clear that true prayer is not dreamy reverie. “All vital praying makes a drain on a man’s vitality. True intercession is a sacrifice, a bleeding sacrifice,” wrote J.H. Jowett. Jesus performed miracles without a sign of outward strain, but “He offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears” (Hebrews 5:7).
— J. Oswald Sanders (1902–1992), Missionsleiter und Autor
Related Bible passage: HEB.5.7
Topics: Prayer & Silence, Discipleship
Occasions: For Reflection
J. Oswald Sanders
John Oswald Sanders (1902–1992) war ein neuseeländischer Bibelschullehrer, Autor und langjähriger Leiter der China-Inland-Mission (später OMF International). Bekanntheit erlangte er vor allem durch Schriften wie „Geistliche Leiterschaft“, in denen er biblische Führung auf Demut, Gebet und Charakter statt auf weltliche Machtstrukturen gründete. Für heutige Bibelleser bieten seine Texte Maßstäbe für persönliche Integrität, dienende Leiterschaft und verbindliche Nachfolge.
All quotes by J. Oswald Sanders (37)
When we pray, the circumstances often remain the same, but we become different.
Oswald Chambers
Prayer does not change God, but the one who prays.
Søren Kierkegaard
Courage is fear that has said its prayers.
Corrie ten Boom
To pray is to draw breath from God.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Charles Haddon Spurgeon
Prayer does not equip us for greater works – prayer is the greater work.
Oswald Chambers
God has his ear at your heart.
Augustine of Hippo
Prayers are tools not for doing or getting, but for being and becoming.
Eugene Peterson