Prayer

There are some, I fear, who do not take their troubles to God in private prayer,
but reserve them for the prayer meeting, and there do up their praying for several
days. Such may be named conference and prayer meeting killers. They emit no light;
they edify no one. Their cold, frozen prayers and long, backslidden testimonies cast
a shadow. All are glad when they get through, and it is almost impossible to throw
off the chill and darkness which their prayers and exhortations bring into the meeting.
From the light which I have received, our meetings should be spiritual and social, and
not too long. Reserve, pride, vanity, and fear of man should be left at home. Little
differences and prejudices should not be taken with us to these meetings. As in a
united family, simplicity, meekness, confidence, and love should exist in the hearts of
brethren and sisters who meet to be refreshed and invigorated by bringing their lights
together.—(Testimonies for the Church 2:578, 579.)
Secret prayer provides a clear picture of self.—Nothing will give such clear
views of self as secret prayer. He who seeth in secret and knoweth all things, will
enlighten your understanding and answer your petitions. Plain, simple duties that
must not be neglected will open before you.—(Testimonies for the Church 5:163.)
Private prayer cultivates a noble character.—Amid the perils of these last days,
the only safety of the youth lies in ever-increasing watchfulness and prayer. The
youth who finds his joy in reading the word of God, and in the hour of prayer, will
be constantly refreshed by drafts from the fountain of life. He will attain a height
of moral excellence and a breadth of thought of which others can not conceive.
Communion with God encourages good thoughts, noble aspirations, clear perceptions
of truth, and lofty purposes of action. Those who thus connect themselves with God
are acknowledged by Him as His sons and daughters. They are constantly reaching
higher and still higher, obtaining clearer views of God and of eternity, until the Lord
makes them channels of light and wisdom to the world.
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