The great mistake made by many Christians with regard to prayer is that they only bring what they consider important matters to God, and attempt to manage smaller concerns themselves. This is really unbelief and self-confidence; for it is doubting His interest in us, and forgetting that word which says, "Without Me ye can do nothing." If we do not bring our little concerns to God, we attempt to bear them ourselves, only to prove our utter helplessness. Many a stumble has come about in this way. Then, too, we too often make the distinction between temporal and spiritual affairs, thinking the latter are proper subjects for prayer, not the former. If we do not bring our temporal affairs into God's presence, we fail to get His mind on them, and too often in this way let self-will have its way. For the root of all prayer is, "Thy will be done." If it is not God's will, it could not but be for our injury to have our prayers answered.

Are all our prayers answered ?

Yes, in God's way. The most perfect and earnest prayer-that in Gethsemane-was answered, but the cup was not removed. Paul thrice prayed that the thorn in the flesh might be removed, and had an answer which left the thorn, but along with it a word which sweetened the trial,-''My grace is sufficient for thee."

Do we watch for answers to prayer?

Elijah did, and was not disappointed. How needful this is-asking, and then waiting, and looking for the answer. This honors God. Nor must we forget another most important part of prayer-thanksgiving. Do we take our mercies without a word of thanks? How this must grieve our God ! How selfish it makes us !

Lastly, for what are we praying most?

Is it for greater practical likeness to Christ, fuller knowledge of self and of Him, a deeper insight into His Word? These, surely, are the great subjects . which should engage much of our time in prayer both for our-and others.