Prayer

Prayer:

Our Lord said, “Men ought always to pray, and not to faint.” (Luke 18:1)

James wrote: “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” (James 5:26)

“The prayers of holy men appease God’s wrath, drive away temptation, resist and overcome the devil, procureth ministry and service of angels, and rescind the decrees of God. Prayer cures sickness and obtains pardon; it arrests the sun in its course and stays the wheels of the chariot of the moon; it rules over all gods and opens and shuts the storehouses of rain; it unlocks the cabinet of the womb and quenches the violence of fire; it stops the mouths of lions and reconciles our suffering and weak faculties with the violence of torment and violence of persecution; it pleases God and supplies all our need.” (Jeremy Taylor, 1613-1667)

May we avail ourselves of this limitless resource and provision of our God! Did He not urge and command us to come boldly to His throne of grace? What lack do I now suffer because of lack of prayer? What worship of God and due praise to His name have I neglected today to render through this lavish provision from Him? And, as Samuel reminded Israel about intercessory prayer: “God forbid that I should sin against the Lord in ceasing to pray for you...” (I Samuel 12:23) Have I prayed for those who have the rule over me, and for all those in authority? See how many areas in our lives are to be dominated by worshipful, pleading, penitent, prayer? No area is outside its divine perimeter. “Lord, give me a heart turned toward You, seeking Your face above all, and reveling in the secret place.” 

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