Calendar

I CRIED UNTO THE LORD
LORD’S DAY, DECEMBER 27
Psalm 3:1-8

Matthew 14:22-33

 

We can never pray too much.

 

I CRIED UNTO THE LORD
 
Sinking times are praying times with the Lord’s servants. Peter neglected prayer embarking upon his venturous journey, but when he began to sink his danger made him cry out to the Lord. In times of bodily pain and mental anguish, we are naturally driven to prayer. The hunted fox for shelter flees to its hole, the bird to the wood; so the tried believer hastens to the mercy seat, even Heaven’s great harbour of refuge. Every weatherbeaten, storm-tossed vessel has a safe haven there.
 
Short prayers are long enough. Peter’s prayer had only three words, but they were sufficient for his purpose. Not length but strength is the secret of effective prayer. An acute sense of need is a mighty teacher of brevity. Our prayers would be all the better with less of the tail feathers of pride and more wing. In prayer verbiage is chaff. Precious things lie in small compass. Many a long address called prayer could have been uttered in three words, like Peter’s. Beware vain repetitions, as the heathens do: they will not be heard for their much speaking (Matt 6:7).
 
Our extremity is God’s opportunity. As soon as the cry for help goes out, the ear of Jesus hears, and with Him ear and heart go together, and His hand does not linger. “The Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth ... he also will hear their cry, and will save them” (Ps 145:18-19). Are you almost sinking into the waters of affliction? Are the storms of working life buffeting you? Take your eyes off the raging of wind and wave, fix your eyes on the Lord. He is only a look away. All is not lost when He is near. Cry unto Him and He will speedily answer. Salvation belongeth unto the Lord!
 
THOUGHT: Do I pray with all my heart?
PRAYER: Father, help me to be instant in prayer, in season and out of season.

Search