Why Pray?

Moreover, as for me, God forbid that I should sin against the Lord, in ceasing to pray for you.

I SAMUEL 12:23

MORE things are wrought by prayer

Than this world dreams of. Wherefore, let thy voice

Rise like a fountain for me night and day.

For what are men better than sheep or goats

That nourish a blind life within the brain,

If, knowing God, they lift not hands of prayer

Both for themselves and those who call them friend?

For so the whole round earth is every way

Bound by gold chains about the feet of God.

ALFRED TENNYSON

PERHAPS we do not think enough what an effec­tive service prayer is, especially intercessory prayer. We do not believe as we should how it might help those we so fain would serve, penetrating the hearts we cannot open, shielding those we cannot guard, teaching where we cannot speak, comforting where our words have no power to soothe; following the steps of our beloved through the toils and per­plexities of the day, lifting off their burdens with an unseen hand at night. No ministry is so like that of an angel as this--silent, invisible, known but to God.

ELIZABETH RUNDLE CHARLES

Intercessory prayer might be defined as loving our neighbor on our knees.

CHARLES H. BRENT

This is a public domain version of Joy and Strength.