Necessity of Prayer

It is interesting to see how much of the Bible is occupied with the subject of prayer, either in providing examples, enforcing precepts, or pronouncing promises. We scarcely open the Bible before we read, “Then began men to call upon the name of the Lord” (Genesis 4:26). Then, just as we are about to close the volume, the “Amen” of an earnest supplication meets our ear (Revelation 22:21). In God’s Word we find a wrestling Jacob, a Daniel who prayed three times a day, and a David who with all his heart called upon his God. On the mountain we see Elijah, in the dungeon Paul and Silas. We have multitudes of commands, and myriads of promises.

What does this teach us, but the sacred importance and necessity of prayer? We may be certain that whatever God has made prominent in His Word, He intended to be conspicuous in our lives. If He has said much about prayer, it is because He knows we have much need of it. So deep are our necessities, that until we are in Heaven we must not cease to pray. A prayerless soul is a Christless soul. Prayer is the lisping of the believing infant, the shout of the fighting believer, the rest of the dying saint falling asleep in Jesus. It is the breath, the watchword, the comfort, the strength, the honor of a Christian.

Pray that this year you may be holy, humble, zealous, and patient; that you may have closer communion with Christ, entering more frequently into communion with Him. Pray that you may be an example and a blessing unto others, and that you may live more to the glory of your Master. The motto for this year must be, “Continue in prayer.”

—C. H. Spurgeon