Have you ever thought to yourself, “I’m praying to the exact same God Elijah prayed to”? Do you genuinely believe that Moses, Esther, David, and Daniel had no advantage over you spiritually? In fact, some would argue that you have the advantage of both the risen Christ and the indwelling Spirit. Let’s stop looking at the godly men and women in Scripture as though their prayer lives are unattainable! Pray fervently, knowing that Peter and Paul and Mary and Ruth were men and women “with a nature like ours” (James 5:17).
– Francis Chan, Forgotten God: Reversing Our Tragic Neglect of the Holy Spirit

Our prayers lay the track on which God’s power can come.
Like a mighty locomotive, His power is irresistible,
but it cannot reach us without rails.
– Watchman Nee

Is prayer a steering wheel or your spare tire?
– Corrie Ten Boon

Psalm 105:1-4 NRSV
O give thanks to the Lord, call on His name,
Make known His deeds among the peoples.
Sing to Him, sing praises to Him;
Tell of all His wonderful works.
Glory in His holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice.
Seek the Lord and His strength; seek His presence continually.

If God be near a church, it must pray. And if he be not there, one of the first tokens of his absence will be a slothfulness in prayer. – Charles Haddon Spurgeon

Prayer ought to enter into the spiritual habits, but it ceases to be prayer when it is carried on by habit only…. Desire gives fervor to prayer. The soul cannot be listless when some great desire fixes and inflames it…. Strong desires make strong prayers.
– E. M. Bounds

There is no hope but in prayer. Herein lies the Church’s power against the world.
– Andrew Bonar

1 Thessalonians 5:16-19 (NRSV)
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances;
for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit.

Prayer cannot truly be taught by principles and seminars and symposiums. It has to be born out of a whole environment of felt need. If I say, “I ought to pray, ” I will soon run out of motivation and quit; the flesh is too strong. I have to be driven to pray. Yes, the roughness of inner-city life has pressed us to pray…. But is the rest of the country coasting along in fine shape. I think not. – Jim Cymbala, Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire

The more we pray, the more we sense our need to pray. And the more we sense a need to pray, the more we want to pray. – Jim Cymbala, Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire

Help me Lord, hear my cry
Lead me to the Rock that is higher than I
You are my hiding place, my impenetrable shield
My heart expectantly trusts and waits
Sheltered beneath Your wings
Filled with joy unspeakable
I am helped
My thankful heart sings.
– Karen Holland, Lead Me to the Rock

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