Only when I pray is a short series of thought-provoking reflections based loosely around the theme of prayer as found in Luke 11:1-13.

Today’s reading is from Isaiah 28:16

So, this is what the Sovereign Lord says: “See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation; the one who relies on it will never be stricken with panic...” NIV

But the Lord God says, “See, I am placing a Foundation Stone in Zion—a firm, tested, precious Cornerstone that is safe to build on. He who believes need never run away again…” Living Bible

Today’s accompanying song is Only when I pray sung by Al White. Listen to the song first before proceeding with the rest of this reflection.

In today’s scripture passage from Isaiah 28:16 it seems obvious that the Cornerstone (capital “C”) that is being referred to is not, in fact, a physical stone. In the first verse of the song, it says: The heart of grace is founded on the stone my life is built upon… in reference to that very Cornerstone – Jesus.

I once heard the phrase, “If you don’t stand for something, you’ll fall for anything.” How true is this. Another old hymn affirms, On Christ the solid rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand. Yes, it is essential for the good of our spiritual wellbeing to stand on Christ the solid rock – Jesus, the Cornerstone.

Verse 2 of the song refers to hearing a distant call to turn again and what I mean by this is simply the attraction/security of our former way of life can tempt us back, lure us away from our faith. All too easily we could transgress and find ourselves lurching down a familiar but slippery slope. Keeping our eyes on Jesus is essential – but I know it happens only when I pray and by remaining vigilant and attentive in prayerful communion with God.

Verse 3 speaks about reflecting on, …where I’ve been, the things I said, the things I’ve seen, and it is good to reflect. I was brought up in a Christian home so my path to faith was relatively smooth by some standards. That is not me comparing myself with others whose lives were messier than mine, because I acknowledge the truth of scripture as found in Romans 3:23: For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. KJV

What about you? When you think back on where you’ve come from and reflect on the “old life” and you compare what was (outside of faith) with what is (inside of faith) do you realise there really is no comparison, that there is no going back? That’s not to say life is always easy – often it isn’t – but crawling with Christ is better that running alone.

Do you remember the song, I have decided to follow Jesus – no turning back, no turning back? I’m sure you do. It was very popular for a long time although personally I thought it was a bit cheesy. Even so, the sentiment is good in its strong affirmation that we have been changed and are not going back to the former way of life. Romans 12:2 says:

Don’t copy the behaviour and customs of this world, but be a new and different person with a fresh newness in all you do and think. Then you will learn from your own experience how his ways will really satisfy you. Living Bible

Don’t live the way this world lives. Let your way of thinking be completely changed. Then you will be able to test what God wants for you. And you will agree that what he wants is right. His plan is good and pleasing and perfect. NIRV

Easier said than done – but I know it happens only when I pray.

In verse 4 of today’s song, we hear; I know the deepest part of me is cold and dark and far from free. But I can’t break the chains that bind that keep the truth that’s locked behind, unless I choose to stand and say, “They will not hold another day,” but it’s only sure to happen when I pray.

All have sinned. No-one is perfect. But how we were (or are) does not give Satan authority to remind us of how we were, nor (even though he will try) should it allow him to convince us that we are worthless or without hope or hold us back from striving to be the person Christ tells us we are! Philippians 3:13 is a powerful verse;

…dear brothers, I am still not all I should be, but I am bringing all my energies to bear on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead… Living Bible

I’m not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me… The Message

Your past is no more so do not let it shape who you are now. And do not allow the chains of the past to continue binding you today. Make the deliberate choice to stand and say: my past will not bind me for one more day.

This won’t happen if we attempt it in our strength alone – but it’s sure to happen only when we pray - and when we do pray, we must put our full trust on the Cornerstone (capital “C”).