Praying Mary
—Selected
“Pray without ceasing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17)
A number of ministers were assembled for the discussion of difficult questions. Among others it was asked how the command to “pray without ceasing” could be complied with. Various suppositions were started and at length one of the number was appointed to write an essay upon it, to be read at the next monthly meeting; which, being overheard by a plain, sensible, servant girl, she exclaimed:
“What! A whole month wanted to explain the meaning of that text! It is one of the easiest and best in the Bible.”
“Well, well,” said an old minister, “Mary, what can you say about it? Let us know how you understand it; can you pray all the time?”
“Oh, yes, sir.”
“What, when you have so many things to do?”
“Why, sir, the more I have to do the more I can pray.”
“Indeed! Well, Mary, do let us know how it is, for most people think otherwise.”
“Well, sir,” said the girl (familiar with the Scriptures), “when I first open my eyes in the morning, I pray: Lord, keep the eyes of my understanding open; and while I am dressing, I pray that I may be kept clothed with the robe of righteousness; and when I wash myself, I ask that I may be kept clean from the stain of sin; and as I begin to work, I pray that I may have strength equal to my day; when I begin to kindle up the fire, I pray that God’s work may revive in my soul. And as I sweep the house, I pray that my heart may be kept free from all impurities; and while preparing and partaking of breakfast, I desire to be fed from the hidden manna and the sincere milk of the Word; and as I am busy with the little children, I look up to God as my Father, and thank Him for the spirit of adoption, that I am His child; and so on all day, everything I do furnishes me with the thought for prayer and praise.”
“Enough, enough,” cried the minister, “these things are revealed to babes, and often hidden from the wise and prudent; go on, Mary,” said he, “and pray without ceasing, and as for us, my brethren, let us bless the Lord for this exposition, and remember that ‘the meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way.’ (Psalm 25:9) ”