EFFECTIVE PRAYER

It is quite interesting, imperative and remarkable to be in the know of how large a portion of Sacred injunction is occupied with the subject of prayer, either in furnishing examples, enforcing precepts, or pronouncing promises. Often, we scarcely open the Bible before we read, "Then began men to call upon the name of the Lord;" and just as we are about to close the volume, the "Amen" of an earnest supplication meets our ear as it echoes.

There are instances indeed so abundant, that expresses the same stances. Just as we also find a wrestling Jacob with all zeal to achieve despite the unavoidable plea of the Ministering Spirit who at last hearkened unto his desire. Also see Daniel in his own mood who prayed three times a day to be liberated and favoured and the David who with all his heart called upon his God even when the transgressions are obvious and abound, and mercy comes like wildfire and he earned himself the apple of God's eyes. On the mountain, we see Elias; in the dungeon, Paul and Silas, in their ceaseless petitions day and night, that in turn attracted the moving down of Holy Ghost to make possible their achievements. We have multitudes of commands of similarities, and myriads of promises realisable only according to the good stand of faith.

What does this teach us, but the sacred importance and necessity of prayer? We may be certain that whatever God has made prominent in His Word, He intended to be conspicuous in our lives, and He is never a man that deceives.

If He has said much about prayer, it is because He knows we have much need of it. So deep are our necessities, that until we are in heaven we must not cease to pray. Dost thou want nothing? Then, I fear thou dost not know thy poverty. Hast thou no mercy to ask of God? Then, may the Lord's mercy show thee thy misery! 'A prayerless soul is a Christless soul' and 'if you refuse to hold Christ firmly, you have decided to be crises' instead. Prayer is the lisping of the believing infant, the shout of the fighting believer, the requiem of the dying saint falling asleep in Jesus. Indeed prayer is the breath, the watchword, the comfort, the strength, the honour of a Christian. If thou be a child of God, thou wilt seeks thy Father's face, and live in thy Father's love, because for sure his countenance must shine on him.

Pray that this time around you may be holy, humble, zealous, and patient; have closer communion with your Lord and personal Saviour Jesus Christ, and enter oftener into the banqueting-house of His love, for his banner over you would for sure be same love. Pray that you may be a practical example and a blessing to others and that you may live more to the glory of thy Master. Continue to be prayerful.