Take Time to Pray

I went on a well planned, attended, and executed Prayer Retreat this weekend at Oak Island, North Carolina, October 2-3, 2009. The experience was refreshing for me because I took time to reflect, think, commune, and pray with others who valued the power of prayer. I am particularly grateful for the opportunity to listen to young men who expressed their concerns and aspirations for their lives and families. I found the discussions thoughtful and sincere. Moreover, being in the company of other men who pray made me realize that the “Brotherhood of Men Who Pray” is alive and well. If also helped me realize that older men should do more mentoring, talking, sharing, and listening to younger men so that they can grow and learn from the experiences and mistakes that we have made.

It is not necessary for young men to make the same mistake that the old men have made. It takes both (young and old) to listen to each other, share things with each other, and help each other.-©Martel A. Perry, January, 1991.

For when old men are gone who will take our places. This brings to mind the lines from the film “Glory” (1969) when Colonel Shaw said before attacking Fort Wagner, in South Carolina. “If this man should fall who will lift the flag and carry on? A man answered, “I will.” Then Shaw asked, “if this man should fall, who will carry the flag.” Another man said, “I will.” And another and another.

It is so important for older men to support and advise younger men who will take our places in the family, church, community, and nation. If they are the ones to replace us, they are the ones who will give a kind word, support the family, do good works, and to serve their communities.

Listen to these words: And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased. - Hebrews 13:16(NIV) Pray for us. We are sure that we have a clear conscience and desire to live honorably in every way.-Hebrews 13:18(NIV)