A Kindly Act

I have been chronicling how a Prayer Warrior can take it's ques to living a Christian life by following the Samurai's Bushido.  Check my earlier post for the full list.  Today's tenet is Benevolence (仁 jin).  The Free Dictionary defines benevolence as 

be·nev·o·lence  (b-nv-lns)

n.

1. An inclination to perform kind, charitable acts.

2.

a. A kindly act.

b. A gift given out of generosity.

3. A compulsory tax or payment exacted by some English sovereigns without the consent of Parliament.

Benevolence is a slam-dunk for any Christian.  Acting kindly?  No problem!  Even the worst Christian can act kindly once in a while.  Lets raise the stakes a little bit.  Can we, as Christians, pray with benevolence?  It is so easy to pray for our selves.  "God, please help me past this test - that I did not study for." "God, help me get a job that will make me happy."  We do it all the time.

How often do you pray for someone else?  Do you ever just pray for some random person?  Instead of praying for yourself, ask someone to pray for you.  

Here is a site that explains benevolence much better that I can.

Eternal Father,

we praise you for sending your Son

to be one of us and to save us.

Look upon your people with mercy,

for we are divided in so many ways,

and give us the Spirit of Jesus to make us one in love.

We ask this gift, loving Father,

through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.