COMMENTS
Every trial of faith and patience is an occasion for prayer for the promised succor. Every failure to gain victory is an occasion for a prayer for forgiveness, and as well for Divine blessing, that the lesson of our own weakness may be deeply impressed, so that in the next similar trial we may promptly apply for and lay hold upon the "grace to help" promised. Every victory over self is an occasion for prayer that we be not high-minded and puffed up but kept humble and watchful for the next attack from the great Adversary. Every service for the Truth becomes an occasion for a prayer of thanks for the privilege of serving the Great King, and perhaps to have suffered something for His cause; and a reason for supplication for further opportunities for service and grace to use them wisely.
Prayer is the uttered or unuttered heart's sincere desire, going out to God for good things. If we wish to receive an answer to our petitions, we must persevere therein, continually watching as to the things asked for, the motive which prompts the asking, and the manner in which they are presented, that they may be acceptable to the Lord. Thankfulness for past favors should occupy a large part of our prayers.
REPRINTS
Gen. 32:24-28; 1 Chron. 16:11, 35; Psa. 145:18; Luke 11:1-13; 18:1-7; Eph. 5:4, 19, 20; 6:18, 19; Phil. 4:6; 1 Thes. 5:17, 18; 1 Tim. 2:1, 8; Heb. 4:16; Jas. 5:16; Jude 1:20; Rev. 5:8; 8:3, 4; Matt. 26:41; Acts 20:28-31; 1 Pet. 1:13, 17; 4:7; Col. 3:15-17.
