Article January 26, 1974 Issue

A Vital Aspect of Prayer

GLADYS L. J. PAYNE

The brief earthly life of Christ Jesus has left mankind a vision of peace, love, and power never before witnessed. Most of us want life to be like this. We want peace and health, and dominion over our difficulties. But do we realize that prayer as Jesus taught it is essential to the attainment of these blessings? Jesus said, "When thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father whichseeth in secret, shall reward thee openly." Matt. 6:6; What did he mean by this "closet" we are to enter and this "door" we are to shut?

To Jesus, prayer was no ceremony, but vital communion with God, whom he knew and taught to be our creator and sustainer, our Father, perfect in love and power, even caring for a solitary sparrow.

The Master's mighty acts, healing sickness and sin and restoring life to the dead, were undoubtedly the open rewards of this constantly renewed communion. Prayer was a continual drawing close to God in the heart. Jesus also withdrew from crowds thronging him to be alone with God, sometimes spending all night in prayer.

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January 26, 1974
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