THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, September 17, 1995 TAG: 9509150023
SECTION: COMMENTARY PAGE: J4 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Short : 35 lines
I have a definite answer for staff writer Esther Diskin's article ``What should one ask of God?'' (Aug. 20). Prayer is the very foundation of one's faith. It sustains, heals, leads and directs one through every step of life. When committed to prayer and faith, one finds a sense of tranquillity and stands on the firm foundation of God's everlasting love. True Christians understand this and spread the good news of the gospel to others; it's part of their responsibility to disciple to those who are lost and in need of salvation, and the essence of why I am writing today.
Prayer takes many forms. The Presbyterian Church (USA) Book of Order contains a very good explanation of the many forms of prayer. ``In prayer we respond to God in many ways. In adoration, we praise God for who God is. In thanksgiving, we express gratitude for what God has done. In confession, we acknowledge repentance for what we as individuals and as people have done or left undone. In supplication, we plead for ourselves and the gathered community. In intercession, we plead for others, on behalf of others and for the whole world. In self-dedication, we offer ourselves to the purpose and glory of God.''
Among the many things on my personal prayer list, I pray for more responsible media coverage of religion. It seems to come to the forefront of the paper only when it is conveniently used to stir controversy.
MARK CUMMINGS
Virginia Beach, Aug. 28, 1995 by CNB