BITS and PIECES
294th Edition – May 10, 2026
A random collection of news and views compiled by Frank McClelland for the Toronto Free Presbyterian Church.
WELCOME
A warm welcome to all those who are visiting Toronto for the Ministers’ Week of Prayer. We understand that about eighty people are planning to be here, and we extend to everyone our greetings and we hope you will have a blessed time in your short visit.
Most of our visitors will be housed in the Best Western Hotel, which we have used for many years. Unfortunately, hackers have infiltrated their booking system and caused some disruption. Hopefully, our guests will not be among those who have had their personal details compromised.
PRAYING TO GOD
We come now directly to the question – how to pray with power. In the book of Acts, we have a record of a prayer that prevailed with God, and brought great results, “Prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him” [Acts 12:5].
The first thing to notice in this verse is the brief expression “unto God.” The prayer that has power is the prayer that is offered to God. But some will say, “Is not all prayer unto God?
No. Very much of so-called prayer, both public and private, is not unto God. In order that a prayer should be really unto God, there must be a definite and conscious approach to God when we pray; we must have a definite and vivid realization that God is bending over us and listening as we pray. In very much of our prayer, there is really but little thought of God. Our mind is taken up with the thought of what we need and is not occupied with the thought of the mighty and loving Father of whom we are seeking it. Oftentimes, it is the case that we are occupied neither with the need nor with the One to whom we are praying, but our mind is wandering here and there throughout the world. There is no power in that sort of prayer. But when we really come into God’s presence, really meet Him face to face in the place of prayer, really seek the things that we desire from Him, then there is power.
[From How to Pray by R. A. Torrey].
A ZEALOUS WORKER
Paul was a man of considerable status, first as a respected member of the nation of Israel, and then after his conversion as the greatest Christian evangelist in the world. A man who was so busy in his evangelistic efforts that he could have been excused if he had allowed others to supply his daily needs.
But at Athens [Acts 18:3] we find Paul working with his hands at his trade of tent making, while at the same time continuing his ministry in the Gospel. Time and again in his epistles, he made it clear that he wished to be as little a financial burden as possible to the fledgling Christian churches.
In his second letter to the Thessalonians, he wrote, “if any would not work, neither should he eat” [Chapter 3:10]. Not a pleasant sentiment to the ears of those who wish to live off the resources of others, but nevertheless a solid principle from the Word of God.
The Christian should be a worker, not having to be driven, but gladly, voluntarily and lovingly caring for personal and family needs. That sort of industry is blessed of God. How good it is to hear occasionally from Christian workers who want to hire Christians because of their work ethic.
Paul was a zealous worker in both the physical and spiritual realms. The Christian should also be a zealous worker in the house of God, not having to be forced into the service of God but gladly, willingly and lovingly dedicated to the extension of His kingdom. The need of the hour is great, with countless thousands of adults and children needing to be taught the Gospel of Christ. Will you be a worker today?
THE NON-ZEALOUS WORKER
“Nothing but leaves the Spirit grieves o’er years of wasted life, o’er sins indulged while conscience slept, and reaps from years of strife, nothing but leaves!
Ah! Who shall thus the Master meet, and bring but withered leaves? Ah! Who shall at the Saviour’s feet, before the awful judgment-seat, lay down, for golden sheaves, nothing but leaves? [anonymous]
