A
work of this nature would be inexcusable for not saying
something about prayer, for who can live life triumphantly
without prayer ? Who can properly estimate the true worth
of prayer or rightly appreciate the privilege of prayer?
Man esteems it a great honor to be admitted into the
courts of the lords and kings of earth. What an honor it
is to have audience with the King of glory! He extends the
golden scepter to us, and we come hopefully, confidingly
into his presence to tell him all that is in our hearts.
He loves us so. We should not dare to come into the awful
presence of the Great King, did we not know that he loves
us with an everlasting love. When we understand his love
toward us, we tell him with joy and eagerness every desire
of the heart.
Prayer is the energy and life of
the soul. It is the invincible armor which shields the
devoted Christian from the poisoned missiles shot forth
from the batteries of hell. It is the mighty weapon with
which he fights life's battles unto victory. He who lives
in prayer reigns triumphant. The dark storm-clouds are
driven away, mountains of discouragement are cast into the
sea, chasms of difficulties are bridged, hope is given
wings, faith increases, and joys abound. Hell may rage and
threaten; but he who is frequent and fervent in prayer
experiences no alarm.
By prayer the windows of heaven are
opened, and showers of refreshing dew are rained upon the
soul. It is as a watered garden, a fertile spot where
blooms the unfading rose of Sharon and the lily of the
valley; where spread the undecaying, unwithering branches
of the tree of life. By prayer the soul is nourished and
strengthened by the divine life.. Do you long for a
brighter hope and deeper joy, for a deeper sense of the
divine fullness, for a sweeter, closer walk with God? then
live in prayer. Do you love to feel the holy flame of love
burning in all its intensity in your soul? then enkindle
it often at the golden altar of prayer. Without prayer the
soul will weaken, famish, and die' the fountain of love
dry up and become as a thirsty and parched desert. Do you
admire the character of Jesus? Behold His lowliness and
humility, His gentleness and tender compassion. Have they
any beauty and do you desire them to grace your soul? then
draw them down from the skies in all their glorious
fullness by the fervent prayer of faith. As through the
process of assimilation food is transformed into an
active, living being, so through the medium of prayer the
character of Jesus, in all its transcendent beauty and
glory, becomes the character of man.
If you desire victory during the
day, begin it with prayer—not a few hurried words, not a
few ejaculations, but minutes of deep, intimate communion
with God. Linger at the altar of prayer until you feel
particles of glory drop in richness into your soul,
scattering sweetness throughout. In the early morning
hours, when the still, balmy breath of nature plays around
you, let your soul fly away on the wings of prayer with
its message of love and praise to its Maker.
"Sweet morning is the time to pray:
How lovely and how sweet
To send our early thoughts away
Up to the mercy-seat!"
If you desire to be more deeply and
sincerely pious, pray. If you desire heights in His love,
depths in His grace, fulness in His joy, and richness in
His glory, pray, pray with all sincerity of heart and
intensity of soul. Did you say you had no time for prayer?
What a pity! Your happiness and success in life depend
upon prayer! Your eternal enjoyment depends upon it. Then,
oh, what a pity that you have no time for prayer! Satan
will tell you there is no need of so much praying. He will
give you indifferent feelings if he can, and tell you that
you can get along well enough without it. He will do all
he possibly can to prevent your praying. If there is not
much benefit derived from prayer, why is he so concerned?
The Bible commands are: "Watch and pray,"
"Pray always," "Be instant in prayer,"
"Pray without ceasing," etc. Beloved saints, I
exhort you to a life of prayer. I beseech you in Jesus'
name to go often into your closets and there in all
earnestness of soul pray until the love of God and light
of heaven fill your beings. Pray until a rapture from the
skies sweeps over your soul, making the place of prayer
the dearest spot on earth to you.
