p. 16 | Dignity in Prayer

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Aug 25, 1910

Dignity in Prayer

WHEN we approach God, it should be with becoming reverence. We should seek him realizing that he is our Friend and Father, and is interested in all our welfare. Before him the angels veil their faces, and surely we in our humble sphere should enter his audience-chamber with becoming dignity.

The Homiletic Review for August speaks of the manner in which the Lord is approached by some of his professed worshipers. It illustrates the common manner in which God is addressed, and of the evident efforts at display and rhetorical effect made by some who pray in public places. It concludes:—

Unfit prayer comes of an unfit consciousness of God. The prerequisite of all prayer, public or private, that is secure from falling into sacrilege, is in the consciousness of being face to face with the infinite majesty, and might, and mercy of an eternal Father, Saviour, and Judge. God must be uppermost in a thought and attention that are not divided with other auditors and critics.

We should not pray to be seen or heard of our fellow men, but as unto God alone.