PRIVATE PRAYER

“But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.” Matthew 6:6

 Eight times in the space of this verse is the pronoun used in the singular number and the second person–a thing unique in all Scripture–as though to emphasize the indispensability, importance and value of private prayer. Private prayer is the test of our sincerity, the index to our spirituality, the principle means of growing in grace. Private prayer is the one thing above all others that Satan seeks to prevent, for he knows full well that if he can succeed at this point, the Christian will fail at every other.

Alas, how remiss we have been, how sadly we have failed to discharge this duty, and what irreparable losers are we by this sinful neglect. Shall this year witness a repetition of the sad failures of the past?

It is the exercising of ourselves in secret prayer that distinguishes us from hypocrites who go through their religious exercises merely to be seen of men. The hypocrite places a far higher value upon the applause of his fellows than he does upon the approbation of his Maker.

It is striking to note that God has often granted the freest communications of himself to those who were before him in secret. It was so with Moses on the mount, when Jehovah gave him the Law–and again when he gave him the pattern for the tabernacle. It was while Daniel was engaged in private prayer that God sent his angel to reveal to him the secrets of his counsel concerning the restoration of Jerusalem and the duration thereof, even unto the Messiah. It is in the secret prayer closet that God usually bestows his sweetest and choicest blessings. Cornelius was highly commended and graciously rewarded upon the account of his private prayer. Peter was granted that wondrous vision concerning the Gentiles while praying alone.

Let us now make a few suggestions on how this duty is to be performed. First, reverently. In all our approaches to God, we should duly consider his exalted majesty and ineffable holiness and humble ourselves before him. Second, sincerely. We cannot be too strongly or too frequently warned against that mere external worship to which we are so constantly prone. Third, submissively. Our petitions should ever be presented with the provision, “If it be Thy will.” Fourth, confidently. He bids us “come boldly unto the Throne of Grace, that we may obtain mercy.” Fifth, fervently. It is not sufficient that our tongues babble out a mere form; our hearts must be in this work. It is a striving in prayer.  – A.W. Pink

The Lord's Day Services


Sunday, April 8, 2018

10:00a.m. Sunday School for all ages.

11:00a.m. Morning Service – Dr. Larry Saunders

4:00p.m. Community Outreach

6:00p.m. Pre-service prayer time

6:30p.m. Evening Service – Dr. Larry Saunders


Weekly Events

Weekly Announcements


Monday, April 9th

7:00p.m. Men’s Prayer Meeting


Wednesday, April 11th

7:30p.m. Prayer Meeting & Bible Study


Friday, April 13th

7:00p.m. Good News Bible Club


Weekly Events
Upcoming Events

Advance Announcements


Sunday, April 15th

10:00a.m. Sunday school for all ages

11:00a.m. Morning Service – Rev. Tony D’Addurno

 6:00p.m. Pre-service Prayer Meeting

6:30p.m. Evening Service – Pastor Jesse Bartz


Wednesday, April 18th

7:25p.m. Prayer Meeting & Bible Study


Thursday, April 19th

7:30p.m. Ladies Fellowship 


Friday, April 20th

9:00p.m. Women’s Morning Bible Study

7:00p.m. Good News Bible Club


Upcoming Events

COMMUNITY OUTREACH

The spring session of outreach to the community will recommence. We will be going out once a month, starting today. For those interested, the Jew family have kindly provided a light lunch for those who would like to stay through this afternoon.

“…Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” Mark 16:15

CZECH VISIT

Please keep in prayer Pastor Saunders along with Chris and Hanah Kim who will be visiting the Solc family next week in the Czech Republic. We pray for travelling mercies and that the Lord will bless this special time.

LADIES FELLOWSHIP

Thursday, April 19, 2018 at 7:30p.m.

Testimony: Mrs. Amber Olson

All ladies, young and older, are invited to attend. Light refreshments will be served after the meeting.

Please Pray for