February 6

Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.—Luke 11:9.

DO not these promises give the strongest encouragement at all times to come boldly to the throne of grace? And if the thought of a throne inspires awe, is not the fact that it is a throne of grace, full of encouragement even to the chief of sinners? Do I then come diligently, earnestly, often, to the mercy-seat, that I may receive pardon, grace, and strength, according to my need?

A holy boldness, a chastened familiarity, is the true spirit of prayer. When God pours out his Spirit on man, then man will pour out his heart before God. The breath of prayer comes from the life of faith.—JOHN MASON.

That is a false humility, which, because it is unworthy of the gifts of God, dares not expect them. True humility consists in a deep view of our utter unworthiness and in an absolute abandonment of self to God, without the slightest doubt that he will do great things for us.—FENELON.

God is in the loneliest spot Present, though thou see him not; Morning vows and evening prayer Make a Bethel everywhere. Go where duty guides thy feet: There good angels thou shalt meet; Hosts of God thou canst not see, Watch thy steps and wait on thee.