June 4

I give myself unto prayer.—Psalms 109:4.

DO I love communion with God in prayer, counting it alike a joy and a duty? Am I as earnest in praying for spiritual blessings, as I am in seeking temporal advantages? Not only in perplexities and troubles, but in all the affairs of life, do I go habitually, for guidance and help, to the throne of grace? Do I expect an answer, though it may not be as I would desire, or in the way I might think best?

The body of our prayer is the sum of our duty; and as we must ask of God whatsoever we need, so we must labor for all that we ask. Every petition to God is a rule for our life—a precept for our conduct—a perpetual monition to duty. By what we require of God, we see what he requires of us.—JEREMY TAYLOR.

He that knows how to pray, has the secret of safety in prosperity, and of support in trouble; the art of overcoming every enemy, and of turning every loss into a gain; the power of soothing every care; of subduing every passion; and of adding a relish to every enjoyment. The merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold.—W. JAY.

Hast thou a hope from which thy heart

Would almost feel it death to part?

Entreat thy God that hope to crown,

Or give thee strength to lay it down.

Whate'er the care that breaks thy rest,

Whate'er the wish that swells thy breast,

Take to thy God that wish, that care,

And change anxiety to prayer!