A Devotional Thought for December 4
From the Pen of John Bunyan
Author of Pilgrim's Progress
"Of Prayer"
“But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words”
Matthew 6: 6-7.
Before you enter into prayer, ask your soul these questions—
[1]. To what end, O my soul, are you retired into this place?
[2]. Art you not come to discourse the Lord in prayer?
[3]. Is he present; will he hear you?
[4]. Is he merciful; will he help you?
[5]. Is your business slight; is it not concerning the welfare of your soul?
[6]. What words will thou use to move him to compassion?
To make your preparation complete, consider that you are but dust and ashes and he the great God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, that clothes himself with light as with a garment; that you are a vile sinner, he a holy God; that you are but a poor crawling worm, he the omnipotent Creator.
In all your prayers forget not to thank the Lord for his mercies.
When you pray rather let your heart be without words, than thy words without a heart.
Prayer will make a man cease from sin, or sin will entice a man to cease from prayer.
The spirit of prayer is more precious than treasures of gold and silver.
Pray often, for prayer is a shield to the soul, a sacrifice to God. and a scourge for Satan.
This is a page from my recently released volume Daily Readings of John Bunyan published by Christian Focus Press.
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