| The Golden Gate of Prayer |
Chapter 1 |
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Christ’s teaching makes prayer very easy. We do not have journey far off to some temple of marble and gold to talk with our Father. We do not have to learn a system of theology in order to be able to pray acceptably. It is not necessary for us to approach God in some august way, with elaborate ceremonial, in order to be heard by him. We are to come in the simplest way.
“After this manner” does not mean saying always even the few words of the form of prayer which our Lord gave to us, but refers rather to the spirit of our praying. We are to pray as children. This makes it easy. It is not hard for a child to tell a loving parent its wants, to open its heart and reveal its inner feelings and desires. The most timid child, who shrinks from strangers, feels no embarrassment in the mother’s presence. Glorious as God is, overwhelming as is the majesty which burns about his throne, his children should never dread drawing near to him. We may come boldly to his throne, for it is a throne of grace and love.
“To stretch my hand and touch him,
Though he be far away;
To raise my eyes and see him
Through darkness as through day;
To lift my voice and call him—
This is to pray!”
“To feel a hand extended
By one who standeth near;
To view the love that shineth
In eyes serene and clear;
To know that he is calling —
This is to hear!”
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