'Voices From The Past' Vol. 1 — April 20

Prayer is one of the greatest signs of a man's new birth. It is an infallible sign that we are children of God when we can with a holy reverence and boldness cry, 'Abba, Father.’ It is a great and inestimable privilege that God permits us to approach so near to himself. We lie prostrate at the feet of God—the same feet where angels and all the powers in heaven worship. This privilege cost Jesus Christ dear, for it is through him that we have access with boldness to the throne of grace. All access was barred against sinners until Christ opened a passage for us by his own death and precious blood. Shall we not make use of this privilege purchased for us at so dear a rate? Nothing is so desirable in this world as a faithful friend, to whom we may at all times unburden ourselves, and make all our secrets and grievances known. Prayer directs us to go to God himself; he is our most faithful friend who can best counsel and help us. Prayer is the means whereby we reveal the secrets and troubles of our souls to him. Prayer is our talking with God. When our hearts well up with grief and are ready to break within us, how sweet is it then to go apart with God and give our hearts vent! Prayer is making our case known to him, and spreading our wants before him. It is casting all our burdens upon him who has promised to sustain us. Prayer is the means appointed by God to obtain the blessings and mercies of which we stand in need. All spiritual blessings of faith, love, patience, humility, and strength are gifts from the throne of grace. Our prayers and God's mercy are like two buckets in a well. One ascends, and one descends. Our prayers ascend to God in heaven, and his mercies and blessings descend upon us.

Devotional Readings taken from Puritan Devotional Readings 'Voices From The Past Vol.1.'
Ezekiel Hopkins, Works, III:582-584
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