01.A 00. Foreword

FOREWORD

There has always been a tendency on the part of some to look upon prayer as a sort of spiritual gymnastic, its sole purpose being idealistic. To pray, they tell us, is to become like the One whom we contemplate in the exercise. This idea of prayer is not without its sanction. Even noted physicians like Dr. Hyslop tell us that the effect of prayer on the mind is more beneficial than any other therapeutic agent known. But these pages are written to show that the whole truth is far from being found in any such theory of prayer, and to put the emphasis where it rightly belongs.

Another purpose of this book has been to answer such questions as may arise in the mind of every thoughtful Christian as he contemplates this mighty privilege of making known his requests unto God, and to make clear so far as possible the perplexities which for him may have gathered about this sacred duty. The author has been permitted to write some things for which he has looked in vain elsewhere and which he sincerely believes will be a real help to many inquiring souls.

Grateful to God for the long hours of study he has been permitted to enjoy upon this subject, and for the help that has come into his own life from it, he sends out these printed pages with a prayer that the subject of which they treat may have a richer and fuller meaning and its privilege become immeasurably sweeter for every one who may read them.

William Edward Biederwolf.