I have been thinking much lately in regard to prayer, in respect to its character as well as to its
proper place, in public or in private. Following are a few thoughts which I have gleaned on the
subject of prayer.

Prayer is the offering up to God of our desires for things lawful and needful, with a humble
confidence to obtain them. This truly is through the alone meditation of Christ to the praise of the
mercy, truth, and power of God. (Matt. 6:6,7, and John 16:23, 24, 26).

Prayer is either mental or vocal for ourselves or others, for the procuring of good things, or the
removing or preventing of things evil. (I Tim. 2:1,2).

As God is the only Object, or rather the One we address in prayer, (Ps. 50:15) we must pray for
others as well as for ourselves. (James 5:16).

We are exhorted to pray fervently (Col. 4:12), sincerely and constantly (Col. 4:2), with faith
(James 5:15), not without repentance (Ps. 66:18 and Jer. 36:7), and by the help of the Holy Spirit
(Rom. 8:26).

The Hebrew word for prayer is that which signifies appeal, interpellation, or appealing
intercession, whereby we refer our own cause and that of others, unto God. It involves calling
upon Him_appealing to Him for the right way of presenting ourselves and our cause unto Him.
He who taught us to pray informs us that it is through prayer that we honor God and draw down
upon ourselves His favor and grace.

Prayer may consist of invocation, adoration, confession, petition, pleading, dedication,
thanksgiving, and blessing.

Some prayers are for the public platform, some are for our private closets, and some for our
fellowship or brethren’s meetings.

"Search me, O God, and know my heart:try me and know my thoughts." (Ps. 139:23).