|
- 4 -
divine Truth and Love, we cannot conceal the ingratitude
of barren lives.
(Efficacious petitions)
What we most need is the prayer of fervent desire
for growth in grace, expressed in patience, meekness,
love, and good deeds. To keep the commandments
of our Master and follow his
example, is our proper debt to him and the only
worthy evidence of our gratitude for all that he has
done. Outward worship is not of itself sufficient to
express loyal and heartfelt gratitude, since he has
said: "If ye love me, keep my commandments."
The habitual struggle to be always good is unceasing
prayer. Its motives are made manifest in the
blessings they bring, - blessings which, even if not
acknowledged in audible words, attest our worthiness
to be partakers of Love.
(Watchfulness requisite)
Simply asking that we may love God will never
make us love Him; but the longing to be better
and holier, expressed in daily watchfulness
and in striving to assimilate more of
the divine character, will mould and fashion us
anew, until we awake in His likeness. We reach the
Science of Christianity through demonstration of the
divine nature; but in this wicked world goodness
will "be evil spoken of," and patience must bring
experience.
(Veritable devotion)
Audible prayer can never do the works of spiritual
understanding, which regenerates; but silent prayer,
watchfulness, and devout obedience enable
us to follow Jesus' example. Long prayers,
superstition, and creeds clip the strong pinions of love,
and clothe religion in human forms. Whatever materializes
|
