Love is kindled in a flame, and ardency is its life. Flame is the air which true Christian experience breathes. It feeds on fire; it can withstand anything rather than a feeble flame; but when the surrounding atmosphere is frigid or lukewarm, it dies, chilled and starved to its vitals. True prayer must be aflame.
Edward McKendree BoundsTrouble and prayer are closely related. Trouble often drives men to God in prayer, while prayer is but the voice of men in trouble.
Edward McKendree BoundsNone but praying leaders can have praying followers. A praying pulpit will beget praying pews. We do greatly need pastors and evangelists who will set the saints to this business of praying. We are not a generation of praying saints. Who will restore this breach? The greatest will he be of reformers who can set the Church to praying.
Edward McKendree BoundsA severe apprenticeship in the trade of praying must be served in order to become a journeyman in it.
Edward McKendree BoundsOur praying, to be strong, must be buttressed by holy living. The life of faith perfects the prayer of faith.
Edward McKendree BoundsPrayer is far-reaching in its influence and worldwide in its effects. It affects all men, affects them everywhere, and affects them in all things. It touches man's interest in time and eternity. It lays hold upon God and moves Him to interfere in the affairs of earth. It moves the angels to minister to men in this life. It restrains and defeats the devil in his schemes to ruin man. Prayer goes everywhere and lays its hand upon everything.
Edward McKendree Bounds