Thursday is for Discipleship
I’m reading J.C. Ryle’s A Call to Prayer: An Urgent Plea to Enter into the Secret Place.
Wow! Talk about convicted. I picked up the book because I have felt that the consistency of my prayer was lacking. I have been feeling a need to deepen the wells of prayer in my life, sensing a need for greater intimacy with my Savior and greater love for others that I knew only prayer saturated with the Spirit’s presence could develop
I could hardly get beyond these words from John MacArthur in the foreword before deep conviction fell on my spirit.
“If prayerlessness was a problem in Bishop Ryle’s day, it is endemic to ours. In our generation it seems those who are not hostile toward spiritual things are merely apathetic. Almost no one is passionate about prayer anymore. Men and women are swept up on the activities of life, sports, entertainment, and a multitude of diversions. Where are there people who actually spend time in prayer?” (bold emphasis added)
Then it was on to Ryle’s first two paragraphs:
“I have a question to offer you. It is contained in three words, ‘DO YOU PRAY?’
The question is one that none but you can answer. Whether you attend public worship or not, your minister knows. Whether you have family prayers in your house or not, your relations know. But whether you pray in private or not, is a matter between yourself and God.”
I’m going to wrestle with that question this weekend. Join me. Grab a book on prayer from your shelf, any one will do, or maybe just Psalm 42-43 and ask God to show you new depths of prayer or maybe old depths you have forgotten.
ChosenRebel's Blog 
Amen, Marty! This week I picked up E.M. Bounds’ Power Through Prayer, and every page is filled with personal conviction. Look forward to reading Ryle’s book soon. Also, the Desiring God 2011 Pastor’s Conference was centered on prayer. Great messages by Joel Beeke that are available at desiringgod.org. Look for the “Conferences” link under “Resources.” Amazing, convicting messages! I needed this type of conviction right now. I trust that many of us do. Blessings!
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Thank you!!! This post really does convey what has been in my heart for a long time. The church has to be awakened to prayer, and now is the time! God has blessed me to write a book called Pray-ers Bear Fruit where I address prayerlessness. There is a remnant of pray-ers in the church today, we must ignite a flame throughout the body of Christ around the world.
Kathy R Green
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