Frank C. Laubach: Troubles

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

“Troubles and pain come to those who practice God’s presence, as they came to Jesus, but these seem trivial as compared to their new joyous experience. If we have spent our days with Him, we find that when earthquakes, fires, famines or other catastrophes threaten us, we are not terrified any more than Paul was in time of shipwreck. “Perfect love casteth
out fear.”

This booklet on the Game with Minutes is good for people suffering from illness at home or in hospitals. Nurses remind us that the thoughts of people turn toward God when sick as at no other time. Patients who are convalescing have many idle hours when their minds reach up toward God. Playing this game produces a perfect mental state for rapid
recovery.

Those who are seeking to be aware of God constantly have found that their former horror at death has vanished. We may have a new mystic intimacy with our departed loved ones, for though unseen to us, they are with Christ and since He is with us they are with us as well.”

Frank C. Laubach (1884-1970) in Letters By A Modern Mystic (Feedbooks: 2009) letter entitled, “Troubles.”

When the apostle Paul starts his second letter to the Corinthians, the year is around A.D. 57. The persecution against the Christians had heated up. By this time he been driven out of Ephesus. He could have felt discouraged.

Instead, he starts the letter with praise. God had been generous to him. God provided compassion and comfort. God wants to do the same for us, so that our generosity can bless people experiencing troubles.

Today Laubach instructs us on how to link the Game with Minutes to tough times. Brilliant. Life is full of hard times. Imagine the uncommon impact we can have when we do this.

Let me state some hypothetical examples. We might experience long lines that cause unfortunate delays in our schedule. Whilst others complain in the lines, we can play the Game with Minutes and pray for all those around us.

Or we might have a surgery coming up that will require rehab. We can complain or use that time to play the Game with Minutes and consider it not time wasted but time spent inviting God into our rehab experience.

Or we could have an unusually challenging schedule which requires extra burdens on us. Like doing more household chores or dog walks or anything. The Game with Minuts says to exchange murmuring with inviting God into those activities.

Imagine the uncommon generosity people will experience from us as a result. Let’s do this.

For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. 2 Peter 1:5-7

“Sweethearts who have been wise enough to share their love with God have found it incomparably more wonderful. Since “God is Love” He is in deepest sympathy with every fond whisper and look. Husbands and wives, too, give rapturous testimony of homes transformed by praying silently when together. In some cases where they had begun to give each other “nerves,” they have found, after playing this game when they are alone together by day or by night, that their love grew strangely fresh, rich, beautiful, “like a new honeymoon.” God is the maker of all true marriages, and He gives His highest joy to a man and wife who share their love for each other with Him, who pray inwardly each for the other when they are together looking into one another’s eyes. Married love becomes infinitely more wonderful when Christ is the bond every minute and it grows sweeter as the years go by to the very last day. Imagine, too, what this does for the children!”

Frank C. Laubach (1884-1970) in Letters By A Modern Mystic (Feedbooks: 2009) letter entitled, “God and Love.”

I want to start by thanking my wife, Jenni, for directing me to this book. She has helped me understanding the “game of minutes” which she plays as good as anyone.

If you are reading this and you have not read recent posts you might be wondering what the “game of minutes” is. When we fix our thoughts on Christ every minute, we invite Him into every aspect of our lives.

When we see others and pray for them, it changes our interaction with others. When we do different activities, we do them with Christ. It changes both us and the outcome of the activity. Some moments I succeed and others I fail, but I am learning.

Here Laubach invites us to bring this game into our home. Of course it should start at home and spread from there. Think about it. Giving each other love is better than giving each other nerves.

Imagine if we all had a testimony of this! What does Christ want for our marriages? I am convinced this is the kind of activity Peter had on his mind when he wrote today’s Scripture passage.

When the LORD takes pleasure in anyone’s way, He causes their enemies to make peace with them. Proverbs 16:7

“God is interested in our fun as much as we are. Many of us talk to Him during our games. Some of the famous football players long ago discovered that they played better if they prayed all during the game. Some of the famous runners pray during races. If a thing brings health and joy and friendship and a fresh mind, God is keenly interested, because He is interested in us. While on the playground, do not ask to win, but whisper: “God, get Thy will done exactly. Help us all to do our best. Give us
what is far more important than defeating our opponents — make us clean sportsmen and make us good friends.”

Frank C. Laubach (1884-1970) in Letters By A Modern Mystic (Feedbooks: 2009) letter entitled, “During Play Hours.”

When we bring God into every area of our lives, He lavishes more generosity in unexpected ways. For example, He can make our enemies at peace with us. I am praying that for so many countries at war today.

Furthermore, when we bring God even into our recreational lives, rather than allowing competition to divide us and tempt us to cut corners, we become clean sportsmen who make good friends on and off the field.

Someone asked me recently what sports I follow. I really don’t have much time to follow any sports but if I do, it’s for sure, Major League Baseball. The person quickly quivered as the Colorado Rockies are, by far, the worst team in baseball.

I surprised them by saying that I am a fan of the game. I don’t have just cheer for one team. At first it bothered him. Then after explaining that I enjoy fantasy baseball with long time friends and have players from around the league, he got it.

What if you bring God into your summer fun. He cares about gardening, corn hole, dog walks, fly fishing, hiking, and so much more. He will teach us things when we do that make us better people.

We in turn become more generous people. Want that for your summer (in the northern hemisphere)? If so, bring God into your fun and watch Him give you blessings that are more important than you could ever imagine.

“Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” Matthew 18:19-20

“A very powerful way to pray is for a group of friends to join hands, while seated in the shape of a horseshoe. Some of us have an altar at the open end of the horseshoe, with a cross or a picture of Jesus, or a Bible, or a globe of the world. The horseshoe opens toward the cities, countries, and people most in need or prayer. This horseshoe of prayer reminds us of the great magnets which can lift a locomotive when the electric power is turned on. We are seeking to be used by the inpouring Holy Spirit to lift the world, and to draw all men to Christ.”

Frank C. Laubach (1884-1970) in Letters By A Modern Mystic (Feedbooks: 2009) letter entitled, “Praying Horseshoes.”

You probably thought it was a typo when you read “praying horseshoes” thinking it should have been “playing horshoes.” Read it again and don’t miss the power of this tool greater than a magnet that can lift a locomotive.

I have a busy week, but I spend most of my afternoon and evening praying. I am watching my son’s dogs. There is a great trail by his home. The weather was perfect (see photo). I felt God’s presence with me and did the one mile hike twice to pray.

Then, for an hour last night I met on zoom to pray with GTP workers from Pakistan, Nepal, Taiwan, Hong Kong, USA, and Australia. I did it because I am realizing that prayer is the most important and generous service I can offer.

And Laubach offers a word picture to illustrate it with this horseshoe magnet. What if you practiced this with your prayer group? What if you prayed horseshoes? God wants us to lift the world and invites us to tap His strength.

Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. Ephesians 3:20-21

“Countless thousands of men keep God in mind while engaged in all types of work, mental or manual, and find that they are happier and get better results. Those who endure the most intolerable ordeals gain new strength when they; realize that their Unseen Comrade is by their side.

To be sure, no man whose business is harmful or whose methods are dishonest, can expect God’s partnership. But if an enterprise is useful, God eagerly shares in its real progress. The carpenter can do better work if he talks quietly to God about each task, as Jesus certainly did when He was a carpenter.

Many of us have found that we can compose a letter or write a book better when we say “God, think Thy thoughts in my mind. What dost Thou desire written? Here is my hand; use it. Pour Thy wisdom through my hand.” Our thoughts flow faster, and what we write is better. God loves to be a coauthor!

A merchant who waits on his customers and prays for them at the same time, wins their affection and their business. A salesman who prays for those with whom he is dealing has far more likelihood of making a sale. A bookkeeper or banker can whisper to God about every column of figures and be certain that God is even more interested in the figures than he is.”

Frank C. Laubach (1884-1970) in Letters By A Modern Mystic (Feedbooks: 2009) letter entitled, “Men At Work and Merchants And Bankers.”

As I write this on a Monday, many of you will return to the rhythms of work. I pray God opens your eyes to the unseen comrade who wants to work with you, help you, and empower you.

He wants your faithful work to produce fruit more than you do. Ask His advice. Seek His wisdom. Discern His ways. Do this because He wants you to contribute in ways that bring Him glory.

How might you position your work today for Him to do “immeasurably more” than you could ever ask or imagine? How could you demonstrate dependence on Him so that your deeds bring Him glory.

I don’t know the answers to these questions. Only you can discern them with Him. But if you do, you just might make unimaginably generous contributions through your work.

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20

“Suppose when you reach home you find a group of friends engaged in ordinary conversation. Can you remember God at least once every minute?

This is hard, but we have found that we can be successful if we employ some reminders. Here are aids which have proven useful:

1. Have a picture of Christ in front of you where you can glance at it frequently.

2. Have an empty chair beside you and imagine that your unseen Master is sitting in it; if possible reach your hand and touch that chair, as though holding His hand. He is there, for He said: ‘Lo, I am with you always.’

3. Keep humming to your self a favorite prayer hymn—for example, ‘Have Thine Own Way, Lord, Have Thine Own Way.’

4. Silently pray for each person in the circle.

5. Keep whispering inside: ‘Lord, put Thy thoughts in my mind. Tell me what to say.’

6. Best of all, tell your companions about the ‘Game with Minutes.’ If they are interested, you will have no more trouble. You cannot keep God unless you give Him to others.

Frank C. Laubach (1884-1970) in Letters By A Modern Mystic (Feedbooks: 2009) letter entitled, “While In Conversation.”

I hope you are appreciating these posts as much as I am. Laubach seeks to change how we interface with people, bringing Christ into every minute of every conversation.

I normally think of making disciples as passing on information to them. He’s stretching me to understand that how to form surrendered souls.

Surrender has become central to my faith with “The Surrender Novena” as my centering prayer, prayed often through the day. But now I am seeing how to multiply surrendered souls.

And notice how it shapes our generosity. “You cannot keep God unless you give Him to others.” You cannot impart what you don’t possess.

Possess him for minutes to share Him for minutes. God help us become so full of you through this game that give you away to someone else today.

Jesus looked at him and loved him. Mark 10:21a

“We whisper ‘God’ or ‘Jesus’ or ‘Christ’ constantly as we glance at every person near us. We try to see double, as Christ does—we see the person as he is and the person Christ longs to make him. Remarkable things happen, until those in tune look around as though you spoke—especially children.

The atmosphere of a room changes when a few people keep whispering to Him about all the rest. Perhaps there is no finer ministry than just to be in meetings or crowds, whispering ‘Jesus’ and then helping people whenever you see an opportunity.

When Dr. Chalmers answers the telephone he whispers: ‘A child of God will now speak to me.’ We can do that when anybody speaks to us. If everybody in America would do the things just described above, we should have a ‘heaven below.’ This is not pious poetry. We have seen what happens.

Try it during all this week, until a strange power develops within you. As messages from England are broadcast in Long Island for all America, so we can become spiritual broadcasters for Christ. Every cell in our brain is an electric battery which He can use to intensify what He longs to say to people who are spiritually deaf to hear Him without our help.”

Frank C. Laubach (1884-1970) in Letters By A Modern Mystic (Feedbooks: 2009) letter entitled, “On A Train Or In A Crowd.”

Laubach is changing how I look at people, walk through crowds, and think about the footprint I make. Candidly, most of the time, I function like I am on a mission.

The mission, as I contemplate it looks more like the Levite or the priest in the Good Samaritan story and Laubach’s counsel shapes me into the Samaritan.

Our mission changes to seeing people and talking to them not as pawns to use to accomplish my purposes but people to love and point to God’s purposes.

The implications to generosity are limitless. God help us not miss opportunities today to become spiritual broadcasters for you.

Jenni and I are resting in Colorado wine country this weekend with dear friends. I am asking God to restore our strength for spiritual broadcasting wherever He leads us.

A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him. Luke 10:31-34

Can you win your game with minutes while passing people on the street? Yes! Experiments have revealed a sure way to succeed: offer a swift prayer for the people at whom you glance. It is easy to think an instantaneous prayer while looking people straight in the eye, and the way people smile back at you shows that they like it!

This practice gives a surprising exhilaration, as you may prove for yourself. A half-hour spent walking and praying for all one meets, instead of tiring one, gives him a sense of ever heightening energy like a battery being charged. It is a tonic, a good way to overcome a tired feeling.

Some of us walk on the right side of the pavement, leaving room for our unseen Friend, whom we visualize walking by our side, and we engage in silent conversations with Him about the people we meet. For example, we may say: ‘Dear Companion, what can we do together for this man whom we are passing?’ Then we whisper what we believe Christ would answer.

Frank C. Laubach (1884-1970) in Letters By A Modern Mystic (Feedbooks: 2009) letter entitled, “While Going Home From Church.”

Instantaneous prayer. This could be the practical and impactful meditation for me this year as I think about the word “examine” and my own generosity.

Whether I am at home on my daily walks, traveling, or somewhere in between , I loved this suggestion: “What can we do together for this man whom we are passing?’ Then we whisper what we believe Christ would answer.”

Notice the connection between this call to instantaneous prayer and the Good Samaritan. The priest and Levite did not have time for the robber or but the Good Samaritan “saw him.”

I wonder if the Good Samaritan received “surprising exhilaration in the process of pausing to minister to the hurting man. How might this practice change how you see people?

Enoch walked faithfully with God; then he was no more, because God took him away. Genesis 5:24

“Nobody is wholly satisfied with himself. Our lives are made up of lights and shadows, of some good days and many unsatisfactory days. We have learned that the good days and hours come when we are very close to Christ, and that the poor days come whenever we push Him out of our thoughts. Clearly, then, the way to a more consistent high level is to take Him into everything we do or say or think.

Experience has told us that good resolutions are not enough. We need to discipline our lives to an ordered regime. The ‘Game with Minutes’ is a rather lighthearted name for such a regime in the realm of the spirit. Many of us have found it to be enormously helpful. It is a new name for something as old as Enoch, who ‘walked with God.’ It is a way of living which nearly everybody knows and nearly everybody had ignored. Students will at once recognize it as a fresh approach to Brother Lawrence’s ‘Practicing the Presence of God.’

We call this a ‘game’ because it is a delightful experience and an exhilarating spiritual exercise; but we soon discover that it is far more than a game. Perhaps a better name for it would be ‘an exploratory expedition,’ because it opens out into what seems at first like a beautiful garden; then the garden widens into a country; and at last we realize that we are exploring a new world. This may sound like poetry, but it is not overstating what experience has shown us.

Some people have compared it to getting out of a dark prison and beginning to LIVE. We still see the same world, yet it is not the same, for it has a new glorious color and a far deeper meaning. Thank God, this adventure is free for everybody, rich or poor, wise or ignorant, famous or unknown, with a good past or a bad — ‘Whosoever will, may come.’ The greatest thing in the world is for everybody!”

Frank C. Laubach (1884-1970) in Letters By A Modern Mystic (Feedbooks: 2009) letter entitled, “How We Win The Game With Minutes.”

I got to attend the Colorado Prayer Luncheon yesterday. It was a huge gathering that included the governor, the mayor, and many familiar faces.

I sat at the table of a patriarch who like Enoch has “walked faithfully with God.” He is still with us because God still does great work through him.

What I appreciate most about this brother who will remain unnamed is what he says whenever we meet up. “I just want to be found faithful” or something like that.

Life it a “game” for him. It’s exhilarating and he enjoys every minute. He’s a keen businessman who does deals to generate resources to expand God’s kingdom.

Why cite his example today? Think about someone you know who has shown you how to really LIVE, someone who plays this game with minutes focused only on faithfulness.

Thank them for their influence in your life. Thank them for their example and commitment. Thank them for helping you win the game with minutes while you still have time.

And He said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 18:3

“How can a man or woman take this course with Christ today? The answer is so simple a child can understand it. Indeed unless we ‘turn and become like children’’ we shall not succeed.

1. We have a study hour. We read and reread the life of Jesus recorded in the Gospels thoughtfully and prayerfully at least an hour a day. We find fresh ways and new translations, so that this reading will never be dull, but always stimulating and inspiring. Thus we walk with Jesus through Galilee by walking with Him through the pages of His earthly history.

2. We make Him our inseparable chum. We try to call Him to mind at least one second of each minute. We do not need to forget other things nor stop our work, but we invite Him to share everything we do or say or think. Hundreds of people have experimented until they have found ways to let Him share every minute that they are awake. In fact, it is no harder to learn this new habit than to learn the touch system in typing, and in time one can win a high percentage of his minutes with as little effort as an expert needs to write a letter.

While these two practices take all our time, yet they do not take it away from any good enterprise. They take Christ into that enterprise and make more result full. They also keep a man’s religion steady. If the temperature of a sick man rises and falls daily the doctor regards him as seriously ill. This is the case with religion. Not spiritual chills and fevers, but an abiding faith which gently presses the will toward Christ all day, is a sign of a healthy religion.

Practicing the presence of God is not on trial. It has already been proven by countless thousands of people. Indeed, the spiritual giants of all ages have known it. Christians who do it today become more fervent and beautiful and are tireless witnesses.”

Frank C. Laubach (1884-1970) in Letters By A Modern Mystic (Feedbooks: 2009) letter entitled, “Christ Is The Only Hope Of The World.”

I enjoyed the better part of an hour in the play area at Chick-Fil-A on Monday evening with my wife and two granddaughters. We played peek-a-boo, watched them climb and slide, and had a blast.

They learned to turn wheels, flip spinners, and navigate tunnels. After gaining confidence, their faces said they wanted to do it again and again.

I pondered how this might relate to God’s kingdom.

God wants us to enter the proverbial play area with Him for an hour a day. If we give Him an hour, we will actually not lose but gain. We will find ourselves enriched and experience joy.

As little Ellie, our one-year-old granddaughter was getting tired, she hugged Jenni like her inseparable chum. It was sweet.

God wants us to spend time with Him, to study and learn. He wants to be our inseparable chum with whom we share everything. We don’t lose when we do this, we gain.

The hour I spend reading and doing my daily office every day is not loss but like time in the play area. To practice the presence of God is to find the fountain of life and joy.