" . . . when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray." Matthew 6:6
After the disciples had witnessed the prayer life of Jesus, they came to Him and said, "Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples" (Luke 11:1). They did not say, "Teach us to preach," or "Teach us to sing." We all admit that instruction and training and practice are essential in making good preachers and singers. But who ever heard of "training" people to pray? We have schools of music and courses which offer instruction in song leading and singing. We have seminaries to teach young men how to become preachers and missionaries. They offer courses in Greek and Hebrew, homiletics and church history, etc. But did you ever hear of a course in Bible school or seminary devoted exclusively to teach men how to pray?
Before the minister delivers his sermon or the soloist sings, he has practiced and practiced for hours. How much do you practice effectual praying?
A British soldier one night was caught creeping stealthily back to his quarters from a nearby woods. He was immediately hauled before his commanding officer for an explanation. The man pleaded that he had gone into the woods to pray; that was his only defense. "Have you been in the habit of spending hours in private prayer? growled the officer. "Yes, sir." "Then down on your knees and pray now!" he roared. "You never needed it so much." Expecting immediate death, the soldier knelt and poured out his soul in prayer that for eloquence could have been inspired only by the power of the Holy Spirit. "You may go," said the officer when he had finished. "I believe your story. If you hadn't drilled often you couldn't have done so well at review."
"Bread For Each Day"
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