Prayer as Work by H. Cotterill, D. D.

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Jun 12, 1884

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 10, No. 23.

Prayer as Work.

By H. Cotterill, D. D.

WITH St. Paul, his prayers were themselves quite as much a part of his work for God as his preaching the gospel or his suffering for the truth's sake. And, though in this as well as in every other part of his work, he—or, as he says, "not I, but the grace of God that was in me"—labored more abundantly than all who either went before him or have followed him in the work of witnessing for Christ, yet this, at least, is certain; that I can only follow his example in his work for God in proportion as I follow it in regard to prayer. It is very profitable to consider how much preparatory thought the apostle must have given to his work before praying; how he must have considered the various circumstances in regard to which the assistance and direction of God were needed for it; the special aid that he and others required; the special dangers and temptations and difficulties to which it was liable. Thus I shall realize better how truly prayer is itself work, not only for God, but with God, and in God. And if I need a general rule for my continual direction in "my work for God," let me remember that the most general and the most practical of all is that which St. Paul has given us, and exemplified in his own life: "Continue steadfastly in prayer, watching therein with thanksgiving."

—H. Cotterill, D. D.