May 12
Habitual Prayer Recommended
The Christian's Daily Treasury"But in every thing by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."—Philippians 4:6, 7.
We have here a wide field for our contemplation, and can but just glance at the numerous objects presented to our view. Note
A DUTY ENJOINED. Prayer is the best resource in every exigency. Consider
Its simple nature. It is the making known of our requests unto God. How numerous, needful, rich, and valuable are the blessings for which we ask! God is perfectly acquainted with those things that we require, but he must know them from us.
Its various parts. Three terms are here employed, "prayer, supplication, and thanksgiving:" thus we are taught not only to deprecate the evils we would avoid, and desire the mercies we need; but to be grateful for the favors we have received.
Its extensive use. "In every thing." A devotional spirit should pervade all our ways, and be connected with our duties, trials, enjoyments, and anticipations. Our motto should be, "Praying always."
A PROMISE ADDED. And this promise is calculated to cheer the mind in the most trying scenes.
Its character. "The peace of God." That is, a composure and tranquillity of mind originating in our reconciliation to God; it is called "the peace of God," because his wisdom devised it, his Son procured it, his word reveals it, and his Spirit conveys it.
Its excellence. "It passeth all understanding." It cannot be fully estimated, though it is really enjoyed by the believer. Eternity will unfold its richness, and more clearly manifest its excellence.
Its effect. "It shall keep your hearts and minds." Here are two distinct faculties, the affections and the judgment; it centres the desires of the heart in God, and keeps the mind in a right apprehension of divine things.
Its medium. "Through Christ Jesus;" that is, by his mediation; for he is our peace, and without him, God is a consuming fire, ready to devour us in his wrath.
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