"God forbid that I should sin against the Lord in ceasing to pray for you" (1 Sam. 12:23). Prayer is probably the greatest force we can wield. There is a certain democracy in this, for God has given it to every Christian, however much we may otherwise differ. In the matter of exercising this great force, we are on the same footing. Therefore, no Christian is excusable if he commits the sin of omitting to pray. Likewise, no Christian is powerless or useless when the might and ministry of prayer is within reach.

FRAGMENT "He went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God" (Luke 6:12). Our Lord’s dependence upon God was expressed in His habits of prayer. He often spent an entire night in supplication. All the great crises of His life down here were preceded or accompanied by prayer:His temptation in the wilderness, the choice of His disciples, His transfiguration, His agony in the garden. On Golgotha He prayed for those who were nailing Him to the cross. Prayer is an expression of dependence.

FRAGMENT
I prayed for strength that I might achieve;
I was made weak that I might obey.
I prayed for riches that I might be happy;
I was given poverty that I might be wise.
I prayed for power that I might have praise of men;
I was given infirmity that I might feel the need of God.
I prayed for things that I might enjoy life;
I was given life that I might enjoy all things.
I received nothing I asked for_all that I hoped for;
My prayer was answered:I am of all men most blessed.

FRAGMENT There comes a time, for those who live long enough, to "retire." You don’t feel really useful anymore_too old or too tired for that little active service you had hoped to do for the Lord. What about a ministry of prayer? The world and its leaders need prayer; the missionaries and preachers of the gospel, Israel, fellow Christians, family, friends, and neighbors need prayer; the list seems endless. How great and effectual can be this ministry!