Morning & Evening Devotional Reading–

November 3– Evening

by C. H. Spurgeon, revised and edited by W. C. Neff

“Their prayer came up to [God’s] holy dwelling place, even unto heaven.”

—2 Chronicles 30:27

Prayer is the never-failing resort of the Christian in any circumstance and in every plight. When you cannot use your sword, you may use the weapon of prayer. Your gun powder may be damp, your bowstring may be relaxed, but the weapon of prayer is never out of order. The Dragon laughs at the javelin, but trembles at prayer. Sword and spear need sharpening, but prayer never becomes dull; even when we think it is blunt and ineffective, it cuts at its best.

Prayer is an open door which none can shut. Devils may surround you on all sides, but the way upward is always open; as long as that road is unobstructed, you will not fall into the enemy’s hand. We can never be contained by barriers; our walls can never be scaled by the enemies’ ladders, so long as heavenly mercy can come down to us by Jacob’s ladder to relieve us in our time of need.

Prayer is never out of season. Prayer gains audience with heaven in the dead of night, during the busyness of business, in the heat of noonday, and in the shades of evening. In every condition—in poverty, sickness, obscurity, slander, or doubt, your covenant God will welcome your prayer and answer it from His holy place.

Nor is prayer ever futile. True prayer is always true power. You may not always get what you ask, but you will always have your real wants supplied. When God does not answer His children according to the letter, He does so according to the spirit. If you ask for coarse meal, will you be angered because He gives you the finest flour? If you seek bodily health, will you complain if He uses your sickness to heal your spiritual illnesses? Isn’t it better to have our crosses sanctified than removed?

This evening, my soul, don’t fail to offer your petitions and requests, for the Lord is ready to grant your desires. [M&E]