From J.C. Ryle, A Call to Prayer
I commend to you the importance of watchfulness over your prayers. Prayer is the point in religion at which you must be most of all on your guard. Here it is that true religion begins; here it flourishes, and here it decays. Tell me what a persons prayers are, and I will soon tell you the state of their soul. Prayer is the spiritual pulse. By this the spiritual health may be tested. Prayer is the spiritual weather-glass. By this we may know whether it is fair or foul with our hearts.
Sermons and books and tracts, and committee-meetings and the company of good people are all good in their way, but they will never make up for the neglect of private prayer. Mark well the places and society and companions that unhinge your hearts for communion with God and make your prayers drive heavily. There be on your guard. Observe narrowly what friends and what employment leave your soul in the most spiritual frame, and most ready to speak with God. To these cleave and stick fast. If you will take care of your prayers, nothing shall go very wrong with your soul.
All I can say is that I agree with Ryle.
We can do lots of godly, churchy things but by this we know if it is fair or foul with our hearts – by our prayers.
What a difference it would make if more of us were aware of what choices make our prayers drive heavy, what things slow us down and draw us away from prayer.
How much stronger would we be if we would have the awareness to observe narrowly what employments leave us most ready to pray and keep at those things.
Start praying more consistently.
Don’t let anything stop you.
God the Father is listening. Christ the Savior has ascended to mediate. God the Spirit indwells and enables. All of this – so that you will pray.
Will you pray?