Circumstances which we have resented, situations which we have found desperately difficult, have all been the means in the hands of God of driving the nails into the self-life which so easily complains.
Alan RedpathRead
We will only advance in our evangelistic work as fast and as far as we advance on our knees. Prayer opens the channel between a soul and God; prayerlessness closes it. Prayer releases the grip of Satan's power; prayerlessness increases it. That is why prayer is so exhausting and so vital. If we believed it, the prayer meeting would be as full as the church.
Interpretation
Prayer is essential for spiritual advancement and connection with God.
In this quote, Alan Redpath emphasizes the profound importance of prayer in advancing one's spiritual journey and evangelistic efforts. He asserts that prayer not only establishes a vital connection between the believer and God but also has the power to combat spiritual opposition. The quote highlights that neglecting prayer can hinder spiritual progress, while consistent prayer fuels it, making it a cornerstone of faith and evangelism.
In practice
In a church sermon on the importance of faith, one might use this quote to emphasize prayer.
Circumstances which we have resented, situations which we have found desperately difficult, have all been the means in the hands of God of driving the nails into the self-life which so easily complains.
There is no specialized art of prayer. All of life must be a training to pray. We pray the way we live.
Prayer lays hold of God's plan and becomes the link between His will and its accomplishment on earth. Amazing things happen, and we are given the privilege of being the channels of the Holy Spirit's prayer.
There is nothing more important to learn about Christian growth than this: Growing in grace means becoming like Christ.
For One in such a lofty position to stoop so low is a marvel that is staggering. What sublime humility and humble sublimeness, that the Lord of the Universe, the Divine Son of God, should stoop as to hide Himself under the appearance of bread for our salvation! Behold the humble way of God, my brothers. Therefore, do not hold yourselves to be anything of yourselves, so that you may be entirely acceptable to One Who gives Himself entirely to you.
Do not have as your motive the desire to be known as a praying man. Get an inner chamber in which to pray where no one knows you are praying, shut the door, and talk to God in secret.
Prayer is the window that God has placed in the walls of our world. Leave it shut and the world is a cold, dark house. But throw back the curtains and see His light. Open the window and hear His voice. Open the window of prayer and invoke the presence of God in your world.
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