Comments on: A rule of prayer http://www.worldontheweb.com/2008/03/28/a-rule-of-prayer/ A daily webzine and forum for discussion of news that arises at the intersection of religion and culture Sat, 31 May 2008 19:57:06 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.3.1 By: Jonny http://www.worldontheweb.com/2008/03/28/a-rule-of-prayer/#comment-288550 Jonny Mon, 31 Mar 2008 19:17:03 +0000 http://www.worldontheweb.com/2008/03/28/a-rule-of-prayer/#comment-288550 OUTDEEP, Your post implies first that no one can really strip themselves of their own will unless he is a vegetable. Is this correct or are you simply pointing up that no one can do this by their own power? Note that Christ, a human being by all accounts, stripped Himself completely of His own will in His kenosis-- His pouring out of Himself. Further, Christ calls us to "be perfect" as our Father in heaven is perfect. Scriptures also urge us to emulate Christ. Your post seems to imply, further, then, that God is making an impossible demand of us. I think Tony and Muller are correct that a renunciation of the will is needful for me to be joined closely with God-- a renunciation that results in me abiding in His perfect Will. The more completely I can accomplish that, by His mercy, the more closely I can live with God. -- Jonny OUTDEEP,
Your post implies first that no one can really strip themselves of their own will unless he is a vegetable. Is this correct or are you simply pointing up that no one can do this by their own power? Note that Christ, a human being by all accounts, stripped Himself completely of His own will in His kenosis– His pouring out of Himself. Further, Christ calls us to “be perfect” as our Father in heaven is perfect. Scriptures also urge us to emulate Christ. Your post seems to imply, further, then, that God is making an impossible demand of us. I think Tony and Muller are correct that a renunciation of the will is needful for me to be joined closely with God– a renunciation that results in me abiding in His perfect Will. The more completely I can accomplish that, by His mercy, the more closely I can live with God.
– Jonny

]]> By: outdeep http://www.worldontheweb.com/2008/03/28/a-rule-of-prayer/#comment-287891 outdeep Fri, 28 Mar 2008 15:44:19 +0000 http://www.worldontheweb.com/2008/03/28/a-rule-of-prayer/#comment-287891 1. While I wouldn't take away from Müller’s faith, his orphanage was well known among Brethren circles and his prayer requests were circulated. So folks knew what was going on and his needs. Not that he didn't exercise faith, but the myth that his needs were made known to no one except God is tad overstated. 2. Can anyone really strip themselves of their one will? Not unless he is a vegetable. I would say the serenity prayer's "Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference" is closer to the mark of how one lives a yielded life in reality. 1. While I wouldn’t take away from Müller’s faith, his orphanage was well known among Brethren circles and his prayer requests were circulated. So folks knew what was going on and his needs. Not that he didn’t exercise faith, but the myth that his needs were made known to no one except God is tad overstated.

2. Can anyone really strip themselves of their one will? Not unless he is a vegetable. I would say the serenity prayer’s “Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference” is closer to the mark of how one lives a yielded life in reality.

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