We are anxious that these articles should be very practical, and that
our readers may be helped to practise their religion more definitely
from reading them. Most of us are very busy people, and often it will
seem as if there was no time for prayer. But we always make time to do
things we consider absolutely essential. Prayer is one of the absolute
essentials of the Christian life. You will notice that it was during
times of unusual pressure of duties that we are told that Our Lord
found time to pray. It was when the people thronged Him to listen to
His words, and to receive healing and comfort for body and soul, that
we read, "And it came to pass in those days, that He went out into the
mountain to pray; and He continued all night in prayer to God". And
again it was while "all the city was gathered at the door" that "in the
morning, a great while before day, He rose up and went out, and
departed into a desert place, and there prayed". He always found time
in the midst of His thronged ministry, when "many were coming and
going", and He had "no leisure so much as to eat", to go apart to enter
into communion with His Father. We, too, must find time to pray.
The important thing is not how long our prayers are or how short, but
that our spirits have come, if only for a moment, into contact with
Him, Who is Himself Spirit. This is the vital thing. This is that
which brings rest and refreshment to the soul and strengthens it in its
life on earth. Let me repeat, the great essential is to get into touch
with God, and to get into touch every day. Now it would seem as if the
morning, first thing in the morning, is the time especially to do this?
Before the distractions of the day have dulled the delicate perceptions
of the spirit, before the noonday sun has absorbed the early dew of
morning, is the time to open the door of the heart to God, and to lift
up the hands to Him. It was in the morning, "rising up a great while
before day", that the Son of Man prayed. So it should be the first
thing in the day with us. It need not be anything complicated or
involved. Indeed, it can be quite simple. Perhaps this simple
suggestion may be found helpful. When we get up in the morning, we
remember that it is God first. We must let the thought of the glory,
the power and the goodness of God take possession of our hearts. We
bow before Him, from Whom we came and to Whom we go, and say, "Glory be
to the Father, and to the Son; and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the
beginning, is now, and ever shall be: world without end. Amen." Then
a word of thanksgiving for sleep and rest, one or both of the Collects
for Morning Prayer, a little prayer for others, and special needs of
the day, and the Lord's Prayer to end with, and to sum up the whole
act. Such is the barest outline, but it is something that everyone
could do, and could do every day. Why not? And why not forthwith?
If we are to know God, we must pray. If we are to become our true
selves, we must pray. If we are to walk bravely and honestly through
this life, we must pray. If we are to be useful to others, we must
pray. And what is prayer? It is getting into touch with God, and
getting into touch every day.
[1] In further token that it is so we find, apart from Christian
Revelation and experience, an instinct to prayer practically universal
among men. This natural capacity to pray is one of the greatest
attributes of human nature. Man has ever felt the desire to confer
with the unseen.
[2] Prayer, therefore, if it is to follow the teaching and example of
Christ must rise above the thought of making a bargain with God. (E.g.
"If this petition is granted then I will do this or that"). Christian
petitions are offered in absolute trust, "Nevertheless not as I will
but as Thou wilt."
[3] God knows what is best for us and wills the best for us. We do not
pray "Thy will be changed," but "Thy will be done." Our Lord Christ,
Who had perfect knowledge of God, used prayer as one of the greatest
forces to accomplish God's purpose. If we withhold prayer we leave
unused a force God Himself calls for in carrying out His purposes among
men.