December 18

Twenty-second Wednesday after Trinity

But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtlety, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. 2 Corinthians 11:3.

THE second hindrance which besets us when we would pray comes from that formidable enemy to all true devotion with whom we have to struggle—the devil. He places many difficulties in our way. The conflict which we have to wage with him is most severe. He knows how strong even the weakest become when on their knees, and so exerts all his malice and cunning to hinder prayer. If he can only keep us from prayer, no matter how, he is content. We listen to his crafty suggestions, although the Saviour Himself has told us that “he is a liar, and the father of it.” Let us rest assured that if we are earnest and sincere, we shall not only be left alone, but shall gain the victory. Let the devil not beguile us. Oh remember how he tempted the Saviour in the wilderness, and how the Saviour overcame him! Three several times was temptation offered, and three several times refused. So there is One Who “in that He Himself hath suffered being tempted, is able to succour them that are tempted.” Oh how blessed is the thought! how real the help! how mighty the deliverance! His right Hand and holy Arm shall give the victory. Behold, the devil will leave us, and holy Angels shall come and minister to us instead.

It is prayer, Winged by faith’s pure resolve. Prayer shall prevail. It hath the promise. Into life’s dim vale Prayer doth of help the golden gates unbar.

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