p. 131 | Don't Forget to Pray,

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Sep 9, 1858

"Don't Forget to Pray,"

Do the trials and troubles of this life weigh heavily upon thy soul, and sometimes seem ready to crush it beneath their weight? "Cast your care on Jesus, and don't forget to pray." "Call upon him in the day of trouble and he will answer thee."

Art thou surrounded by temptations, from which thou sighest to be free, and which sometimes lead thee from the straight and narrow way into the crooked paths of sin? "Don't forget to pray." He who takes thy humble petition and presents it before the Father's throne, has been tempted, and he knows how to succor those that are tempted.

Has disease prostrated thee upon a bed of suffering, and given thee long and wearisome nights of pain? Then surely thou wilt not forget to pray. Pray that you may be enabled to bear the chastisement which is being inflicted, with Christian resignation, and that it may be sanctified to you for good.

Has some loved friend been snatched away by death, and left thy heart shrouded in gloom and sorrow? Mourning one, "don't forget to pray." Call upon God, for he is now very near thee, and his ear is ever open to the mourner's cry.

Art thou persecuted for righteousness' sake? Do the scoffs of thy companions send a chill to thy young heart? Pray for strength to bear it as Christ would have you, and pray that their attention may be arrested, even while they ridicule thee.

Art thou poor and needy; destitute of the comforts and necessaries of life? Remember thy Saviour had not where to lay his head; he, too, was poor, that we might become rich in faith and heirs to an immortal kingdom. If thou wouldest be an heir to this kingdom, don't neglect to pray for a title to it.

Dost thou enjoy health and prosperity?—Remember the Giver of these blessings. Do not forget to thank him for them, or to ask him to show thee how to appreciate them.

Christian friend, hast thou an uncovered father or mother, child or friend, out of the ark of safety,—a brother or sister who have not given their hearts to the Saviour? Don't forget, or neglect, to present their case before God, and at a throne of grace plead earnestly and long for them. He will hear thy prayer if offered in faith and love. "The prayer of the righteous availeth much."

"Don't forget to pray" at morn. A new day has been given thee; thou needest grace for each and every day; thou needest the Divine Spirit. Do not grieve it by neglecting to ask for its assistance. Thou needest the watchful care of thy Heavenly Father; thou art very needy, therefore, "don't forget to pray."

Pray at noon, when thou art surrounded by the business and cares of life. Temptation and many a snare are set about thee. Strength is needed to resist the tempter, and watchfulness is necessary if thou wouldest escape the snare. Enter into thy closet, and there while on thy bended knee, let thy prayer rise to the mercy seat, where it will be accepted.

When the shades of evening gather o'er earth, and night draws nigh—pray. Another day's labor is ended, and thou hast much to be grateful for; then bring thy thank-offering and present it to him to whom all honor and praise belong. Pray for the extension of the Redeemer's kingdom in the earth. Ask pardon for thy numerous sins, protection during the night watches, a heart to love God, and a home in heaven.—Morning Star.