The Christian's never-failing resort in every case, in every plight

(Charles Spurgeon)

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." Philippians 4:6

Prayer is the Christian's never-failing resort in every case, in every plight. When you cannot use your sword-you may take to the weapon of all-prayer. Your gun-powder may be damp, your bow-string may be broken-but the weapon of all-prayer need never be out of order. Leviathan laughs at the javelin-but he trembles at prayer. Sword and spear need furbishing-but prayer never rusts; and when we think it most blunt-it cuts the best.

Prayer is an open door which none can shut! Devils may surround you on all sides-but the way upward is always open, and as long as that road is unobstructed, you will not fall into the enemy's hand. We can never be taken by force or storm-so long as heavenly help comes down to us to support us in the time of our necessities.

Prayer is never out of season-in summer and in winter its merchandise is precious. Prayer gains an audience with God-in the dead of night, in the midst of business, in the heat of noonday, in the shadows of evening. In every condition, whether of poverty, or sickness, or obscurity, or slander, or sin-your covenant God will welcome your prayer and answer it from His holy place.

Nor is prayer ever futile. True prayer is evermore true power. You may not always get what you ask-but you shall always have your real needs supplied. When God does not answer His children according to the letter-He does so according to the spirit. If you ask for coarse meal-will you be angered because He gives you the finest flour? If you seek bodily health, should you complain if instead thereof-He makes your sickness turn to the healing of spiritual maladies? Is it not better to have the affliction sanctified, than removed? My soul, do not forget to offer your petition and request, for the Lord is ready to grant you your desires!

"Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need!" Hebrews 4:16