Required readingThe Christian in Complete Armour by William Gurnall (Available from Amazon or free here) - Continue Direction Eleventh by reading the First Design of Branch Third of the First General Part.
My summary
Today we continue Direction Eleventh on prayer from: 'Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints." (Eph. 6:18)
We begin Branch Third which consists of Satan's designs against prayer.
Satan's design we focus on today in particular is keeping us from prayer altogether. Satan's four strategies to keep us from prayer are to whisper to us that:
(i) We're hypocrites - 'What! Thou pray! If thou dost, thou wilt but play the hypocrite; and better not pray at all';
(ii) We have no gifts for prayer - 'Leave that for them that can perform this duty after a better fashion';
(iii) This is not the time for prayer - 'Christian, what art thou going to do? This is not a fit time for thy praying. Stay for a more convenient season';
(iv) Our requests are too great: 'Thou art too free of another's person, and too kind to thyself, if thou thinkest to be welcome at God's door with so bold an errand'.
What grabbed me
I appreciated the encouragement to pray for great things from our great God: 'But remember he is a great God, great in power. Thou canst not overask. Thou mayest draw thine arrow to the head, and yet not overshoot the power of God. Even when thou hast drawn thy desires to the highest pitch, he shall be above thee; 'for he is able to do exceedingly above what we can ask or think.'
Our God welcomes bold prayers!
Next week's reading
Continue Direction Eleventh by reading the Second Design of Branch Third of the First General Part.
Now it's your turn
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.
Now it's your turn
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.
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