THE LORD IS NIGH UNTO ALL THEM THAT CALL UPON HIM.

August 18

Psalms 145:18  

The LORD is nigh unto all them that call upon him, 

to all that call upon him in truth. 

Real prayer is calling upon God.

He is our Father; we are His children.

We have nothing; He has all things to bestow, and is willing to give them.

From a sense of need we call on the Lord for a supply;

from a sense of weakness, we call upon Him for strength;

from a sense of guilt, we call upon Him for pardon.

Being diseased, we cry for health; 

being troubled, for comfort and peace; 

being in distress, for relief and deliverance.

We go out of self to Jesus, accepting His invitation, to plead His promise and find Him faithful.

Our God is always near the praying soul, not merely as the omnipresent of Jehovah, but as our faithful Friend.

He is near us, lovingly to listen to what we have to lay before Him; 

mercifully to relieve our miseries, be they what they may; 

graciously to help us in every difficulty or danger.

Beloved, our God is near us.

He is attentive to us this morning; let us call upon Him in the spirit and in truth.

Let us lay all our concerns before Him; 

He loves to listen to the often-told tale; 

He has patience with us, blessings for us, and will do us good.

O to walk closely with my gracious God today.

Oh Lord, each day renew my strength,

And let me see Thy face at length,

With all Thy people yonder;

With them in heaven Thy love declare,

And sing Thy praise for ever there,

With gratitude and wonder.

James Smith