We are to have the spirit of prayer in all that we say and do; that is to say, our hearts should be going out continually to the Lord for guidance in all life's affairs, that we may do with our might what our hands find to do, in a manner that will be acceptable to Him, and that we may be shielded by Him from temptation that would otherwise be beyond our endurance, and that we may be ultimately delivered from the Evil One and have a place in our Lord's Kingdom. Brethren, let us more and more remember and put into practice these words of our Lord, "Watch and pray, lest ye enter into temptation".
Prayer is the uttered or unuttered heart's sincere desire going out to God for good things. It is as essential to our development as the desires of the natural man for human blessings are necessary for his human growth. As without these desires the natural man would soon die, so without true prayer the new heart, mind and will would die. Our prayers are not to be merely formal, they are to be heartfelt; for the things requested should be earnestly desired. Such prayers offered up in harmony with the Lord's Word are sure of an answer. Without watching for the answer, we often fail to note the Lord's response to our petitions. And sometimes, despite our watching for His answers, we fail to note them, because He delays granting our requests. Therefore perseverance in such watching is necessary, and will in due time be rewarded by receiving the long-sought answer.
Luke 11:5-13; 21:36; Psa. 5:1-3; 116:1, 2; Dan. 6:10; Acts 6:4; 10:2, 9; Rom. 12:12; Phil. 4:6, 7; Col. 4:2; 1 Thes. 5:17; Matt. 26:39-44; Eph. 1:16; 1 Tim. 5:5.
