The Christian is more than an empty vessel. He has...Someone within. We have a treasure in the earthen vessel, and not only a treasure - a transcendent power! That is humanity as God intended it to be. The vessel is not much in itself, but it holds an inestimable treasure, beyond price, and a transcendent power, greater than any other power known to men.
Ray StedmanThe Psalms are much more than poetry. Many of them bear the title, Maskil, or teaching psalm. They are thus intended to instruct the mind as well as to encourage the heart. They are designed not only to reflect a mood, but to show us also how to handle that mood; how to escape from depression or how to balance exaltation with wisdom.
Ray StedmanTrue prayer is an awareness of our helpless need and an acknowledgment of divine adequacy.
Ray StedmanAlthough God certainly knows all our needs, praying for them changes our attitude from complaint to praise and enables us to participate in God’s personal plan for our lives.
Ray Stedman