December 14

Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation.— Mark 14:38.

DO I feel, constantly, the need of seriousness and watchfulness and prayer, as a safeguard against temptation, as a means of growth in grace, and in view of the uncertainty of the hour when the Son of man may come? Do I feel my dependence, my exposure, my need of divine help; and remembering the many promises to prayer, do I come constantly to the throne of grace, and there find all that I need?

It wants nothing but a believing prayer, to turn the promise of God into a performance.—J. MASON.

None are so likely to maintain watchful guard over their hearts and lives, as those who know the comfort of living in near and constant communion with God. They feel their privilege, and fear lest they may lose it. They will dread falling from their high estate, and marring their own comforts, by bringing clouds between themselves and Christ.—J. C. RYLE.

If you can pray aright you have mastered the great secret of a spiritual life.—E. M. GOULBURN.

They pray the best, who pray and watch; They watch the best, who watch and pray; They hear Christ's fingers on the latch, Whether he come by night or day. Whether they guard the gates and watch, Or, patient, toil for him and wait, They hear his fingers on the latch, Whether he early comes, or late.