Written by: John Sernaque
Dear Reader,
Books / Pr - Prayer (2002) / Chapter 2—Our Need Of Prayer Chapter 2—Our Need Of Prayer Darkness Encloses Those Who Neglect Prayer—
If the Saviour of men, the Son of God, felt the need of prayer, how much more should feeble, sinful mortals feel the necessity of fervent, constant prayer. {Pr 24.2}
Our heavenly Father waits to bestow upon us the fullness of His blessing. It is our privilege to drink largely at the fountain of boundless love. What a wonder it is that we pray so little! God is ready and willing to hear the sincere prayer of the humblest of His children, and yet there is much manifest reluctance on our part to make known our wants to God. What can the angels of heaven think of poor helpless human beings, who are subject to temptation, when God’s heart of infinite love yearns toward them, ready to give them more than they can ask or think, and yet they pray so little and have so little faith? The angels love to bow before God; they love to be near Him. They regard communion with God as their highest joy; and yet the children of earth, who need so much the help that God only can give, seem satisfied to walk without the light of His Spirit, the companionship of His presence. {Pr 24.3}
The darkness of the evil one encloses those who neglect to pray. The whispered temptations of the enemy entice them to sin; and it is all because they do not make use of the privileges that God has given them in the divine appointment of prayer. Why should the sons and daughters of God be reluctant to pray, when prayer is the key in the hand of faith to unlock heaven’s storehouse, where are treasured the boundless resources of Omnipotence?—(Steps to Christ, 94.) {Pr 24.4}
Avoid Neglecting Prayer—
Watch, brethren, the first dimming of your light, the first neglect of prayer, the first symptom of spiritual slumber.—(Testimonies for the Church 4:124) {Pr 24.5}
You need to watch, lest the busy activities of life lead you to neglect prayer when you most need the strength prayer would give. Godliness is in danger of being crowded out of the soul through over-devotion to business. It is a great evil to defraud the soul of the strength and heavenly wisdom which are waiting your demand. You need that illumination which God alone can give. No one is fitted to transact his business unless he has this wisdom.—(Testimonies for the Church 5:560.) {Pr 25.1}
Prayer is the key that unlocks the door to heaven. Prayer keeps us connected to the light of God’s spirit and in His companionship. God is always ready and willing to hear our sincere and humble prayers. Do not allow the hustle and bustle of this world lead you to neglect prayer. When you are not communing with God, it leaves open the door for Satan to whisper in your ear to tell you that even the smallest of sins is ok. Sin is sin and there are no little sins. Satan steals away your strength and robs you of heavenly wisdom. Be watchful and pray, and make your communion with God your highest joy.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Now dear Lord as we pray, take our hearts and minds far away, from the press of the world all around, to Your throne where grace does abound. We pray that we can let go of all the cares of this world to spend time with you at the foot of Your throne. We bow before You, as Your angels do, though we are feeble and sinful mortals. We lay down all our burdens at Your feet, and pray that You will give us rest and peace, not as man gives, but only as You can give. We see our need of communing with You in prayer. We pray that as we enter into Your presence, that we may speak with You as a friend our most intimate thoughts. We thank You for the privilege of allowing us to come and drink at the fountain of living water, that we may never thirst. We come to You in faith to bring our petitions before thee. We pray that we may hear Your voice and receive Your wisdom, understanding, and the fullness of all Your blessings. You have promised ask, and it shall be given to you, seek and you shall find, knock and it shall be opened unto you. We claim these promises by the victory Jesus won. We pray for strength that prayer gives. We pray that we may walk with the light of Your spirit and the companionship of Your presence. May we regard communion with You as our highest joy. May we never neglect prayer and allow Satan to enter in with his subtle temptations, lest we fall. Let us continue to use the key of prayer to unlock heaven’s storehouse. May we ever continue to watch and pray, and always keep our eyes on Jesus. We thank You and praise You, in the name of Christ Jesus, we pray. Amen.
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