Brings every blessing from above.”
Prayer has brought rain a thousand times since Elijah prayed, softened kings’ hearts since Nehemiah won the sympathy of Artaxerxes, shut lions’ mouths since Daniel was cast into their den, given victory to armies since Amalek was discomfited, liberated captives since Peter was delivered from prison, abated storms since Christ said to wind and wave: “Peace! be still,” (Mark 4:39) arrested hundreds of prodigals since Monica prayed for her wicked son Augustine, restored health, supplied food, transformed lives and revolutionized nations.
Prayer is the means that aids to keep in subjection the sinful tendencies of human nature and though living in the world keeps us separated from it. It is the means to aid us in winning souls for Jesus. John Wesley was once riding along when he saw a man kneeling by the wayside breaking stones. “Ah,” cried he, “I wish I could break the hearts of some who hear me as easily as you are breaking those stones.” The man looked up and said, “Did you ever try to break them on your knees?” Pleading with God should always precede pleading with souls to come to God, and it is a question whether anyone has ever come to God who was not earnestly prayed for by some one.
Prayer will also make a death-bed glorious. “Yea,” saith the Psalmist, “though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for Thou art with me, Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me.” (Psalm 23:4). A boy was dying at midnight. He had just awakened from sleep. “Is it near morning?” he asked his father. “It soon will be,” replied the parent. “Do you think I will get well?” “I hope so,” sobbed the father. There was a long silence, then the lad moved restlessly on the pillow and said, “Hold me up, father, I want to say my prayers.” Then, clasping his hands together, he repeated: “Our Father, which art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come. Thy kingdom come. I can’t remember, father! I can’t remember!” A short time after the morning light stole into the room. “Forever and forever,” uttered the boy and he fell asleep in death.
O, my boy, cultivate this glorious habit of praying. To be intimately acquainted with God cheers, inspires, ennobles. An old man lay dying. His sons stood around his bed to receive his parting counsel, and his last blessing. He had fought the battle of life successfully; and, so far as this world was concerned, had come out crowned with honors. He had been a pillar in the church; his seat had never been vacant, his hand always freely opened to every call. For months he had been laid aside by a lingering and painful illness. “Boys,” he said, “God has been good to me. He has given me many friends, good children, a loving wife, and abundant means; but what I thank Him for now most of all is this long and painful illness. Without it my life would have been a failure; I should have gone hence without knowing as I should the only One worth knowing. Boys, whatever you do or whatever you leave undone, whether you make another cent of money or not, take time to get acquainted with God.” That’s it. So acquainted with Him that with simple words you can breathe your heart’s desire. So acquainted as to talk with Him the first thing in the morning and the last in the evening. So acquainted as to seek His favor in everything and to praise Him for anything.
“Implore His aid, in His decisions rest,
Secure, what’er He gives, He gives the best.”
CHAPTER XXIII
Be a Bible Student
INTRODUCTION TO CHAPTER XXIII
By James H. Brookes