believing people of old used to pray,
and what mighty wonders were done in answer to their prayers.
And if this took place under the Old Covenant, in the time of
preparation, how much more wilt Thou not now, in these days of
fulfilment, give Thy people this sure sign of Thy presence in
their midst. We have heard the promises given to Thine apostles
of the power of prayer in Thy name, and have seen how gloriously
they experienced their truth: we know for certain, they can
become true to us too. We hear continually even in these days
what glorious tokens of Thy power Thou dost still give to those
who trust Thee fully. Lord! these all are men of like passions
with ourselves; teach _us_ to pray so too. The promises are for
us, the powers and gifts of the heavenly world are for us. O
teach _us_ to pray so that we may receive abundantly. To us too
Thou hast entrusted Thy work, on our prayer too the coming of Thy
kingdom depends, in our prayer too Thou canst glorify Thy name;
'Lord, teach us to pray.' Yes, us, Lord; we offer ourselves as
learners; we would indeed be taught of Thee. 'Lord, teach _us_ to
pray.'

'Lord, _teach_ us to pray.' Yes, we feel the need now of being
_taught_ to pray. At first there is no work appears so simple;
later on, none that is more difficult; and the confession is
forced from us: We know not how to pray as we ought. It is true
we have God's Word, with its clear and sure promises; but sin has
so darkened our mind, that we know not always how to apply the
Word. In spiritual things we do not always seek the most needful
things, or fail in praying according to the law of the sanctuary.
In temporal things we are still less able to avail ourselves of
the wonderful liberty our Father has given us to ask what we
need. And even when we know what to ask, how much there is still
needed to make prayer acceptable. It must be to the glory of God,
in full surrender to His will, in full assurance of faith, in the
name of Jesus, and with a perseverance that, if need be, refuses
to be denied. All this must be learned. It can only be learned in
the school of much prayer, for practice makes perfect. Amid the
painful consciousness of ignorance and unworthiness, in the
struggle between believing and doubting, the heavenly art of
effectual prayer is learnt. Because, even when we do not remember
it, there is One, the Beginner and Finisher of faith and prayer,
who watches over our praying, and sees to it that _in all