LIFE CHANGING PRAYER compiled by Debra Maffett

een engaged in his private devotions! When he has entered his
closet, he has been, perhaps, like the Hannah, "of a sorrowful spirit,"
and, like her, has poured out his heart before the Lord in "bitterness of soul"
— and the God of Israel has granted his petition, and he has gone on his way
no longer sad. (1 Samuel 1.15, 18.) How often in these private exercises,
particularly when the believer has felt himself "in heaviness through
manifold temptations," (1 Peter 1.6.) "encompassed with
infirmities," (Hebrews 5.2.) and has "groaned being burdened," (2
Corinthians 5.4.) not knowing "what he should pray for as he
ought," (Romans 8.26) — has the Holy Spirit helped his infirmities —
"making him to know his transgression and his sin," (Job 13.23.) and
causing him to "abhor himself and repent as in dust and ashes." (Job 42.6.)
Then, in the language of the psalmist, he has prayed, "The troubles of
my heart are multiplied; bring me out of my distresses!" (Psalm 25.17.) God
has heard this prayer, and fulfilled his own most gracious word,
"Before they call I will answer, and while they are yet speaking I will
hear." (Isaiah 64.24.)
The Savior's promise also has been verified, "Whoever has my
commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will
be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and manifest myself to
him," (John 14.21.) The Holy Spirit has taken of the things of Jesus, and
has shown them unto his servant, (John 16.14,) and the believer has
been enabled with lively gratitude and joy, to adopt the language of
the prophet, "I will praise you, O LORD. Although you were angry with
me, your anger has turned away and you have comforted me. Surely God is
my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The LORD, the LORD, is my
strength and my song; he has become my salvation." (Isaiah 12.1-3.)
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