June 1

Instant in prayer. - Romans 12:12.

THIS command cannot mean that we should be always upon our knees, or actually engaged in the exercise, for we have not the time, and it would be incompatible with other duties equally important; but surely it requires that we should cherish a frame of mind so as to make us ready to avail ourselves of every opportunity for its performance, in public and in private; surely it implies the infinite importance of the duty. Cowper says,-

“Restraining prayer, we cease to fight;

Prayer makes the Christian’s armour bright;

And Satan trembles when he sees

The weakest saint upon his knees.”

It includes, also, what the old divines call ejaculatory prayer,- that is, a sudden starting up of the thought and desire to God. Wherever we are, and however we are engaged, this may be done. We have an instance in the case of Nehemiah: he was the king’s cup-bearer; when he was fulfilling his task, and Ahasuerus addressed him, in order properly to answer the king, he prayed to the God of heaven. He did not go out of the room; he did not kneel down upon the carpet; he uttered no words; but he implored God for his influence and assistance. And so must we do in all the exigencies of the day. If we are in straits, or in danger, or under a cloud, we are to lift up our hearts to him. In all our ways we are enjoined to acknowledge the Lord, and he will direct our steps. It is thus we shall obtain strength to conquer our numerous enemies and to bear our heavy trials and perform our difficult duties. In all these respects we shall find “our sufficiency is of the Lord.” And how are we to avail ourselves of this sufficiency? “For all these things,” saith God, “will I be inquired of by the house of Israel, to do them for them.”

He never said to the seed of Jacob, Seek ye me in vain; rather,“Ask, and it shall be given; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened to you.”