The act of prayer teaches us our unworthiness, which is a very salutary lesson for such proud beings as we are. If God gave us favors without constraining us to pray for them we should never know how poor we are, but a true prayer is an inventory of wants, a catalogue of necessities, a revelation of hidden poverty. While it is an application to divine wealth, it is a confession of human emptiness. The most healthy state of a Christian is to be always empty in self and constantly depending upon the Lord for supplies; to be always poor in self and rich in Jesus; weak as water personally, but mighty through God to do great exploits; and hence the use of prayer, because, while it adores God, it lays the creature where it should be, in the very dust. Prayer is in itself, apart from the answer which it brings, a great benefit to the Christian. As the runner gains strength for the race by daily exercise, so for the great race of life we acquire energy by the hallowed labor of prayer. Prayer plumes the wings of God's young eaglets, that they may learn to mount above the clouds. Prayer girds the loins of God's warriors, and sends them forth to combat with their sinews braced and their muscles firm. An earnest pleader cometh out of his closet, even as the sun ariseth from the chambers of the east, rejoicing like a strong man to run his race. Prayer is that uplifted hand of Moses which routs the Amalekites more than the sword of Joshua; it is the arrow shot from the chamber of the prophet foreboding defeat to the Syrians. Prayer girds human weakness with divine strength, turns human folly into heavenly wisdom, and gives to troubled mortals the peace of God. We know not what prayer cannot do! We thank thee, great God, for the mercy-seat, a choice proof of thy marvelous loving kindness. Help us to use it aright throughout this day!
“Heartlight” - Oct 11/07
Evil and Wickedness
VERSE:
Break the arm of the wicked and evil man; call him to account for his
wickedness that would not be found out.
Psalm 10:15
THOUGHT:
It is hard not to get discouraged when evil and wicked people
get away with what is reprehensible. Christians on every continent
have things that greatly trouble them about the evil perpetrated in
their corner of the world as corrupt power abuses those who belong
to God's people. Let's join together, believers from all around the
world, and ask God to intervene in a clear, decisive way, and bring
these days of violence and wickedness to an end!
PRAYER:
Holy and righteous Father, please break the power of wickedness
that reigns in our world and bring it to an end. Make it clear that
the fall of evil's power is at the hand of the Lord Jesus. Lord
Jesus, destroy every power that stands between God and us, and
bring to a glorious beginning the eternal reign of your Kingdom. To
your glory, Lord Jesus, and in your name I pray. Amen.
“Heartlight” - Oct 13/07
