Morning, May 24

Charles Spurgeon · Morning and Evening: Daily Readings

"Blessed be God, which hath not turned away my prayer."

  Psalm 66:20

   In looking back upon the character of our prayers, if we do it
   honestly, we shall be filled with wonder that God has ever answered
   them. There may be some who think their prayers worthy of
   acceptance--as the Pharisee did; but the true Christian, in a more
   enlightened retrospect, weeps over his prayers, and if he could retrace
   his steps he would desire to pray more earnestly. Remember, Christian,
   how cold thy prayers have been. When in thy closet thou shouldst have
   wrestled as Jacob did; but instead thereof, thy petitions have been
   faint and few--far removed from that humble, believing, persevering
   faith, which cries, "I will not let thee go except thou bless me." Yet,
   wonderful to say, God has heard these cold prayers of thine, and not
   only heard, but answered them. Reflect also, how infrequent have been
   thy prayers, unless thou hast been in trouble, and then thou hast gone
   often to the mercy-seat: but when deliverance has come, where has been
   thy constant supplication? Yet, notwithstanding thou hast ceased to
   pray as once thou didst, God has not ceased to bless. When thou hast
   neglected the mercy-seat, God has not deserted it, but the bright light
   of the Shekinah has always been visible between the wings of the
   cherubim. Oh! it is marvellous that the Lord should regard those
   intermittent spasms of importunity which come and go with our
   necessities. What a God is he thus to hear the prayers of those who
   come to him when they have pressing wants, but neglect him when they
   have received a mercy; who approach him when they are forced to come,
   but who almost forget to address him when mercies are plentiful and
   sorrows are few. Let his gracious kindness in hearing such prayers
   touch our hearts, so that we may henceforth be found "Praying always
   with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit."