PRAYER
Prayer is one of those topics that gathers so many marvelous stories to illustrate its many facets. In particular I like the story that William Gladstone told that illustrates prayer coupled with a sort of persistent (if also perverse) action. It seems Gladstone knew of a little girl in his neighborhood who believed strongly in the efficacy of prayer. Her current concern was a trap that her brother had made to catch birds. Being a bird lover herself, she prayed that God would frustrate her brother’s designs and he would be unsuccessful in his plan. She had shared this resolution with Gladstone and told him how hard she was praying. One day, upon encountering her, Gladstone observed a particular radiance to her countenance. He said to her, “Julia, you look so pleased. Are you still confident your prayers will be answered?” Julia smiled a knowing smile and retorted, “I know for sure that my prayers will be answered. Yesterday I kicked my brothers…
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