Praying and Saying Prayers.
It is said of Sir William Cecil, once Lord Treasurer of England, that when he repaired to his home he was wont to throw off his official gown with the remark: “Lie there, Lord Treasurer!” He desired to cast off the cares and anxieties of his official life, that he might enjoy a season of refreshing quiet and rest. So the Christian should come into the presence of his Lord, leaving at the church door his secular cares, his worldly pleasures, his traffic, and his gain. There is a story told of one who offered his horse to his servant on condition that he would say the Lord’s Prayer, and think upon nothing but God. The proffer was accepted, and he repeated the first petition, then paused and said: “But I must have the bridle too.” “Thou hast lost both already,” replied the master. We may smile at the man’s disappointment, but should the Lord send down his blessings to us on similar conditions, would we fare better? It is only when the heart goes with the lips that our prayers rise as the pleasant perfume of frankincense to the very throne of God. It is only such prayers of the saints that are treasured up before him, and that bring down a blessing upon ourselves and others. There is a vast difference between praying and merely “saying our prayers.”—S. S. Times.