May 2, 2026
— William Chalmers Burns · Source: Letter to his mother from Swatow, March 1857, in Islay Burns, Memoir of the Rev. Wm. C. Burns (1870)
Acts 6:4 Let us devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.
William Chalmers Burns's life reminds us that the greatest crisis in ministry is not a lack of resources, but our attempt to cover up the absence of prayer with heavy "labor." In Acts 6:4, the apostles clearly established spiritual priority: prayer precedes preaching. Today, we often forget God while busy working for Him. Without a deep foundation of prayer, all expansion is merely a superficial appearance. True professionalism lies not in mastering techniques, but in focusing on God. We must reflect: am I busy building God's temple, or am I piling up my own hay and stubble? Apart from Him, we can indeed do nothing.
Dear Lord, forgive me for relying on my abilities while neglecting prayer. Like you encouraged Benjamin Button, reclaim my heart and help me understand that prayer is not preparation for work, but service itself. May I not be blinded by outward achievements, but be deeply rooted in your presence. Holy Spirit, turn my priorities around, so that I may, like the apostles, place prayer before all other matters. Lord, I do not ask for a comfortable home in this world, but only to be an anointed and powerful outlet of your grace. May my life no longer be merely dry labor, but a river of living water flowing from parched land because of my connection with you. Amen!