THOU RESTRAINETH PRAYER BEFORE GOD

 

EVENING DEVOTION by James Smith

JUNE 18

Job 15:4

Yea, thou castest off fear, and

restraineth prayer before God.

 
This change, brought against Job, may often be justly brought against us: for though prayer is one of the most delightful privileges, and is enjoyed as such when under the influence of the Spirit of adoption, yet when a spirit of bondage prevails, or we get worldly minded, it is rather a task than a pleasure.
 
Often are we tempted to keep away from the Lord, because we are so lukewarm, or cold, or dead; whereas these are the very things which should drive us to him.
 
Never let us wait for a better frame, or more convenient season, but let us go as we are, and whenever an opportunity offers, to a throne of grace.
 
For if we restrain prayer before God, we shall soon get cold, careless, and lifeless, if we are not so; sin will gather strength, all our graces will be weakened, and the gift of prayer will wither.
 
Our tempters will become carnalised, our peace will be disturbed, and the enjoyment of religion will fade.
 
Restraining prayer is directly opposed to God’s word, it is yielding to Satan, grieving the Holy Spirit, and must end in mischief.
 

Father, to my heart appear,

Pleased and smiling in thy son:

Conscious of thy presence near,

Bow’d and humble at thy throne.

Then I in thy sight shall stay,

Always fear, and always pray.

 
James Smith