PRAYER is talking with God. He invites us to come in all simplicity and to tell Him our needs (which He promises to supply) and to intercede on behalf of others. Paul, the very chiefest of all the apostles, felt the need of the prayers of others. Again and again he pleads with the believers in various places to speak to God concerning him and his ministry. How much do we pray for Christ’s servants? And, for ourselves, do we pray for God to endorse our programs, or do we ask that He will reveal His mind to us and give us grace to act accordingly?
“Once I prayed—
(I knew not what I said)
‘Show me myself, O Lord!’
Alas, I did not dread
The hideous sight
(Which now I shudder to behold).
Because I knew not self-aright.
And I was led
In answer to my prayer,
As step by step, to see
My wretched heart laid bare;
Then I prayed,
‘Stay, Lord, I cannot bear the sight!’
And pityingly His hand was stayed.
Now I pray
(I know the prayer is right).
‘Show me Thyself, O Lord,
Be to my soul the Bright
And Morning Star,
To shine upon the grave of self,
And lead my heart from earth afar!’”
—Helen McDowell.