On Prayer by Thomas Watson

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jul 30, 1861

On Prayer.

By Thomas Watson

1. So far as we know, prayer forms a part of

every system of religion on earth.

2. In proportion as a form of religion is unscriptural, it corrupts and perverts this duty.

3. Hypocrites never really love prayer, and therefore never, for a long time together, practice secret prayer.

4. He who declines prayer in the day of prosperity, will not find it easy in the day of adversity.

5. Prayer not offered in the name of Christ is unavailing. The reason is that he alone is worthy.

6. No time, nor place, nor form, is displeasing to God, if the heart is right. If the heart is wrong all is wrong.

7. He who prays at stated times only, will make but poor progress heavenward. He who prays not at all at stated times, will soon omit all prayer.

8. The greatest benefit of public prayer is secured when it makes us love secret prayer more and more.

9. A family that never prays, covets misery, and courts wrath. Better no bread than no prayer.

10. Those who would pray aright, must come to Christ and say, "Lord, teach us to pray."

11. A prayer that has no faith in it, is like a human body without a soul in it. It is dead and loathsome.

12. Elijah's prayer brought down fire from heaven, because, being fervent, it carried fire up to heaven.—Thomas Watson.