In tandem with Oswald Chambers comments, I add thoughts by Thomas a' Kempis:
Speak, Lord, for thy servant listens....though You send us prophets to speak to us, Sir, rather You speak, thou who dost inspire and enlighten them! You alone can perfectly instruct me without their aid, but without You, they can do nothing.
The prophets can preach the word, but they cannot bestow the Spirit. Though they speak eloquently, if you are silent, they cannot fire the heart. They instruct in the letter, but You open the understanding. They set forth mysteries, but You reveal the meaning of all secrets. They teach your commandments, but You help us observe them. They point the way, but You grant us strength to follow it. Their action is external; You instruct and enlighten the heart. They water the seed...but you make it fruitful. They proclaim...but you impart understanding to the mind. ...Therefore...speak to me, Lord, and comfort my soul: order my life to Your praise, glory, and eternal honor.
"Silently, now, we wait for Thee...."
Indebted,
Mitch
