Prayer can obtain everything: it can open the windows of heaven and shut the gates of hell; it can put a holy constraint upon God and detain an angel until he leave a blessing; it can open the treasures of rain and soften the iron ribs of rocks till they melt into tears and a flowing river; prayer can unclasp the girdles of the north—saying to a mountain of ice, “Be thou removed hence, and cast into the bottom of the sea”; it can arrest the sun in the midst of his course and send the swift-winged winds upon our errands; and to all these strange things and secret decrees, add unrevealed transactions which are above the stars.

When Hudson Taylor was asked if he ever prayed without any consciousness of joy, he replied: “Often: sometimes I pray on with my heart feeling like wood; often, too, the most wonderful answers have come when prayer has been a real effort of faith without any joy whatever.”

I never prayed sincerely and earnestly for anything but it came; at some time—no matter how distant the day—somehow, in some shape, probably the last I should have devised, it came. ADONIRAM JUDSON

For years I’ve prayed, and yet I see no change.

The mountain stands exactly where it stood; The shadows that it casts are just as deep; The pathway to its summit e’en more steep.

Shall I pray on? Shall I pray on with ne’er a hopeful sign?

Not only does the mountain still remain, But, while I watch to see it disappear, Becomes the more appalling year by year.

Shall I pray on? I shall pray on. Though distant as it seems The answer may be almost at my door, Or just around the corner on its way, But, whether near or far, yes, I shall pray— I shall pray on.

EDITH MAPES

If thou wilt keep the incense burning there, His glory thou shalt see— sometime, somewhere!

Verily, verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you. Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.—Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit.

This is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us; and if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.—This is the will of God, even your sanctification.

God hath . . . called us . . . unto holiness: . . . who hath also given unto us his Holy Spirit.

Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

Quench not the Spirit.

Ye have not, because ye ask not.

Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: for every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.—This is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask anything according to his will, he heareth us: and if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.—If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.—Open thy mouth wide, and I will fill it.—Men ought always to pray, and not to faint.

The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry. The Lord heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles.—Ye shall ask in my name; and I say not unto you, that I will pray the Father for you: for the Father himself loveth you, because ye have loved me. Ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.

Him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.—Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.—What will ye that I shall do unto you? They say unto him, Lord, that our eyes may be opened. So Jesus had compassion on them, and touched their eyes: and immediately their eyes received sight, and they followed him.

If ye . . . being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?—I will put my Spirit within you. Thus saith the Lord GOD; I will yet for this be enquired of.

This is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: and if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.