October 8

I will not let thee go, except thou bless me.—Genesis 32:26.

ARE my prayers earnest and importunate, like the wrestling of Jacob with God? Is the first and chief desire of my heart that I may have the divine guidance and blessing? Do I seek and desire these, more than any earthly favor or temporal good? Do I still persevere in prayer, even when the answer does not at once come, but is delayed? Can I, and do I feel that God knows what is the best answer to give, and the best time in which to give it?

If thou truly desirest a noble and holy life, and unceasingly prayest to God for it, and if thou con- tinuest constant in this thy desire, it will be granted thee without fail.—ST. BERNARD.

Those who would have the blessing of Christ must be in good earnest and importunate for it, as those that resolve they will have no denial. It is the fer- vent prayer that is the effectual prayer.—MATTHEW HENRY.

Pray, though the gift you ask for

May never comfort your fears;

May never repay your pleading;

Yet pray, and with hopeful tears.

An answer, not that which you long for,

But diviner, will come some day;

Though your eyes are too dim to see it,

Yet strive, and watch, and pray.—A. PROCTER.