Be much alone with God, and take time to get thoroughly acquainted. Converse over everything with Him. Unburden yourself wholly -every thought, feeling, wish, plan, doubt- to Him...He wants not merely to be on good terms with you, but to be intimate.
Interpretation
The quote encourages deep personal reflection and intimate communication with God.
Horatius Bonar emphasizes the importance of spending time alone with God to foster a profound relationship. He suggests that it's not enough to maintain a superficial connection; we should openly share our innermost thoughts and feelings with God, as He desires a close, intimate relationship with us.
In practice
When giving a speech on faith, you might share this quote to emphasize the importance of personal prayer.
The gospel is the proclamation of free love; the revelation of the boundless charity of God. Nothing less than this will suit our world; nothing else is so likely to touch the heart, to go down to the lowest depths of depraved humanity, as the assurance that the sinner has been loved -- loved by God, loved with a righteous love, loved with a free love that makes no bargain as to merit, or fitness, or goodness.
Upon a life I did not live, upon a death I did not die; another's life, another's death, I stake my whole eternity.
Thy way, not mine, O Lord, however dark it be; lead me by thine own hand; choose out the path for me.
Holy Angels, our advocates, our brothers, our counselors, our defenders, our enlighteners, our friends, our guides, our helpers, our intercessors - Pray for us.
The characteristic of the new birth is that I yield myself so completely to God that Christ is formed in me.
Prayer is surrender--surr ender to the will of God and cooperation with that will. If I throw out a boathook from the boat and catch hold of the shore and pull, do I pull the shore to me, or do I pull myself to the shore? Prayer is not pulling God to my will, but the aligning of my will to the will of God.
The suffering of this life not only can make our temperament more like the Divine Personality of Jesus, but it detaches us from this world. This Divine preparation opens our souls to the working and pruning of the Father.
May we always say thank you to God, especially for his patience and mercy.
Of all things, guard against neglecting God in the secret place of prayer.
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