June 30

Pray without ceasing.—1 Thessalonians 5:17.

NOT only do I have stated times for prayer, and a closet in which to utter it, but do I also at all times cherish the spirit of prayer? In the intervals of business, or labor, or study, do my thoughts go up in silent supplication? As I walk by the way, or in the watches of midnight, do I love to hold communion of thought and prayer with God? Do I pray as instinctively as I breathe? Do I expect never to cease praying, till I reach that blessed world where prayer is lost in praise?

The promise of God is not to the act, but to the habit of prayer.—PAYSON.

Prayer requires more of the heart than of the tongue; of sighs than of words; of faith than of discourse. The eloquence of prayer consists in the fervency of the desire; in the simplicity of faith; and in the earnestness and perseverance of love. Our trust and confidence ought to proceed from that which God is able to do in us, not from what we can say to God —QUESNEL.

Never shrink, and never fear; Humbly, boldly, persevere; "Always pray and never faint," Is his word to every saint. Trust the word that cannot fail; Urge the plea that must prevail; And you joyfully shall prove, All his boundless wealth of love.