March 15

"Delight thyself also in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart." Psalms 37:4.

TRUE piety, while it softens and humbles the soul, secures to the believer the most refined enjoyments. Let us contemplate the Christian's delight in prayer, three ways.

ITS NATURE. It greatly differs from the false and delusive pleasures of the world.

It is a delight in the object of prayer — and that is God himself — in the perfections of his nature, the bounty of his providence, the discoveries of his word, and the blessings of his grace.

It is a delight in the medium of prayer — and that is Christ. We cannot approach the Father but through the mediation of the Son. Our prayers will have no sweet-smelling savor, unless they are perfumed with the incense of his sacrifice and intercession.

It is a delight in the exercise of prayer. The man who rejoices in God must delight in prayer; the seasons of devotion are reflected on, and anticipated by him with feelings of holy pleasure and delight.

ITS SOURCE. It is not human but Divine. It springs

From the operations of the Spirit. If the soul is animated, and burns with devotion, it is he that enkindles the fire — the Spirit is the spring that moves us, the wind that blows on us, the power that influences us, and the light that illumines us.

From the supplies of grace. If the Spirit lights up the fire of devotion in the heart, grace is the oil that keeps it alive. We cannot delight in prayer if we are not spiritually quickened. Prayer without grace is prayer without wings.

From the reception of former favors. Those who have found mercy, and obtained help from God in the past, should delight in approaching him, that his gracious acts may be repeated.

ITS ADVANTAGES. They are inestimable, beyond calculation, and surpassing human conception. Prayer accomplishes wonders for the believer; it inspires him with lively emotions of joy, emboldens him in danger, supports him in the conflict, consoles him in sorrow, animates him in death, and lights him to glory, where the language of prayer shall be exchanged for the shouts of praise.