Drawing Near to God

Publishing Committee · Rochester, N. Y. · Feb 21, 1854

Drawing Near to God.

Prayer is the very life-breath of true religion. It is one of the first evidences that a man is renewed by grace. "Behold," said the Lord, of Saul, in the day he sent Ananias to him,—"Behold he prayeth." He had begun to pray, and that was proof enough.

Prayer was the distinguishing mark of the Lord's people in the day that there began to be a separation between them and the world. "Then began men to call upon the name of the Lord."

Prayer is the peculiarity of all real Christians now. They pray; for they tell God their wants, their feelings, their desires, their fears, and mean what they say. The nominal Christian may repeat prayers, too, but he goes no further.

Prayer is the turning-point in a man's soul. Our ministry is unprofitable, and our labor is vain till you are brought to your knees. Till then, we have no hope about you.

Prayer is the great secret of spiritual prosperity. When there is much private communion with God, your soul will grow like grass after rain; when there is little, all is at a stand-still, you will barely keep your soul alive. Show me a growing Christian, a going forward Christian, a strong Christian, a flourishing Christian, and sure am I he is one that speaks often with his Lord. He asks much, and he has much. He tells Jesus everything, and so he always knows how to act.

"Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be known unto God." Phil. iv, 6.