Essentials Of The Faith / Midweek Devotional
George Buttrick
Introduction to the Author
George Buttrick was born in England in 1892 and educated Lancaster
Independent College. He later came to the U.S. and was ordained by the
Congregational Church in 1915. Five years later he entered the Presbyterian
ministry and became the pastor of Madison Ave. Presbyterian Church in New
York City where he served until he died in 1980.
During his ministry, Buttrick delivered many lectures at colleges and
universities around the world. He was also a gifted writer and his book
'Prayer' is thought to be one of the most thorough and comprehensive works
on prayer ever written.
The following are excerpts from his book on prayer and deals with the
actual practice of prayer.
1 A simple regime of private prayer
There can be no hard and fast rules concerning the practice of prayer.
Only hints. Prayer is friendship with God. Friendship is not formal but it
is not formless. It has it's need for cultivation, it's own behavior and
discipline, but the casual mind kills prayer. So I offer a simple regimen of
private prayer.
2. An orderly quietness
Prayer begins not with asking but in a silent self-preparation. We should
not rush into the presence of God. The church of private devotion should be
entered through the vestibule in an orderly manner. This comes best as a
byproduct of a mind focused on God. Prayer is prefaced by an act of faith
not by doubts and fears.
3. The widespread mercy
In prayer there is no fixed order but a primary impulse of praying people
is that of thanksgiving.
We need to call to mind the joys of our journey to Christ and the blessing
we have obtained along the way. A thanksgiving prayer ought to be
specific...I thank thee for this friendship, or this deliverance form this
sin. This thanksgiving should also probe deeply the question 'What are
life's abiding mercies?'
4. Setting hooks into the facts
Prayer may next become confession. Confession like thanksgiving, should
be specific. I confess this sharp judgment, this jealousy...Our sin is
against God and we have neither peace nor inward power until we have offered
prayers of confession.
5. Love sees faces
Then may follow a prayer of intercession without which ones prayer might
sink into selfishness. Private intercessory prayer ought to be specific.
Genuine love sees faces not the mass, the good shepherd calls each sheep by
name. Intercession is more than just specific, it is pondered: it requires
us to bear on our heart the burden of those for whom we pray.
6. Before Eternal Eyes
Petition is next in the order of prayer. It comes last not because it is
most important but because it needs the safeguard of earlier prayer. We
should not fear to lift our earthly needs before Eternal Eyes for we are
held in Eternal Love. This prayer should always conclude with 'nevertheless
not my will but thy will be done.'
7. Friendship held in reverence
The intervals of these prayers should be filled with meditation. After
thanksgiving we should contemplate God's abounding goodness and await His
word concerning His own gifts to us. After confession we should adore the
pardoning love of God in Christ Jesus and listen for His guidance. After
intercession we should pause to see the whole world's need as Christ saw it
from the cross. After petition we should wait again to meditate upon the
will of God.
Prayer is listening as well as speaking, receiving as well as asking and
its deepest mood is friendship held in reverence. So the daily prayer should
end as it begins in adoration.
Read: Luk 6:27-36
Reflection
1. Buttrick cautions us against being too formal or too formless in our prayers. On which side are you most likely to err?
2. In all four aspects of prayer Buttrick urges us to be specific. Why is this so important?
3. Do you feel guilty praying for yourself? What do you think Buttrick would say to you about this?
4. If you were to follow Jesus' command to pray for your enemies, who would you begin to pray for today?
5. Use Buttricks guide to private prayers this week. Follow his advice to
pray in specifics.