/> 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 fulness,

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 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 fulness 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 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.