"We will...give ourselves continually ('adhere closely to as a servitor)' to prayer and the ministry (service) of the word." (Acts 6:4)
The Apostles were "set apart" for this call. Such a "work" enabled the Church to "take root" in a hostile culture, and grounded the Church in "the faith." Throughout the Middle Ages the Church saw the need for the same. I have heard many rail on monasticism, but these faithful men translated the Scriptures and wrote them down so that you and I today can enjoy the "God-Breathed" Word. While it is true that many monks were just seeking to better their own salvation, Jesus used the times of prayer, nearly 24/7 in a monastery, Bible study and contemplation to do what Peter wrote to the Early Church. "In his kindness God called you to his eternal glory by means of Jesus Christ. After you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation." Who knows what place their, "continually," played in the fulfillment of this text throughout Church History?!?
In "Fiddler on the Roof," Tevye says, "If I were a rich man, I'd have the time that I lack to sit in the synagogue and pray....And I'd discuss the holy books with the learned men, several hours every day." Over the years I have heard people make fun of such statements, as though prayer and discussing "the holy books" were only for the "rich" and "learned." Of course, they are not. But there is, and always has been, a need for such members of the Body of Christ. There was something of the monastic movement in the Eighteenth and early Nineteenth Century Unitas Fratrum (Moravian) Community------- "Nobody works unless someone is praying."
Father, in Jesus' Name, I thank you for such men and women over the centuries. May we continually have them. Amen.
*****************************************
An article you need to send to your "brain washed" friends at:
"Looking Unto Jesus"
Hebrews 12:2
Hebrews 12:2
