An “Evolution” in Prayer
By C. M. S.
We read of a Christian man in the United States, that, on becoming interested in missions, his first earnest prayer was, “Lord, save the heathen!” Later, as his knowledge of God’s ways increased, he prayed, “Lord, send missionaries to save the heathen!” Then as his interest and a sense of personal responsibility deepened, his prayer became, “Lord, if thou hast not anybody else to send, send me.” Further experience and discipline humbled him, and led to this modification, “Lord, send me, but if thou canst not send me, send somebody.” Eventually his prayer became, “Lord, send whom thou wilt; but in any case permit me to pay my share of the expenses.” Surely this should be the soul-attitude of every supplicant for missions. The recognition of the divine claim over self and possessions must be complete and unreserved. When the church attains to this, some of the harassing problems of carrying on missionary work will disappear.—C. M. S., in Intelligencer.