(To encourage)
“We are never nearer to Christ than when we find ourselves lost in a holy amazement at His unspeakable love.”
John Owen
“If I have observed anything by experience, it is this: a man may take the measure of his growth and decay in grace according to his thoughts and meditations upon the person of Christ, and the glory of Christ’s kingdom, and of His love.”
John Owen
“He is righteous to reward according to deserts; He is gracious to reward above deserts; yea, He is merciful to reward without deserts; and how, then, can I doubt of His will to help me?“
Sir Richard Baker
“Alas, for that capital crime of the Lord’s people–barrenness in praises! Oh, how fully I am persuaded that a line of praises is worth a leaf in prayer, and an hour of praises is worth a day of fasting and mourning.” John Livingstone
“God hath in Himself all power to defend you, all wisdom to direct you, all mercy to pardon you, all grace to enrich you, all righteousness to clothe you, all goodness to supply you, and all happiness to crown you.”
Thomas Brooks
“Since He looked upon me my heart is not my own, He hath run away to Heaven with it.”
Samuel Rutherford
“Constant thoughts (for Christ) are operative, and musing makes the fire burn. Green wood is not kindled by a flash or spark, but by constant blowing.” Thomas Manton
“Praise is a soul in flower.” Thomas Watson
I read all these Puritan quotes this morning from my new book (A Puritan Golden Treasury published by The Banner of Truth Trust) ~ and I had an “a ha!” moment when I fully realized that fruitful prayer comes from MEDITATION! How true that is! The times when my heart and soul are in tune and prayerful to my heavenly Father are when I have been naturally thinking of Him over and over during the day.
So I wonder, would it not be more rewarding for their souls to guide our children to first and foremost think of Christ and meditate on Him and His word? It scares me to think that I could unknowingly lead my children down a path of a heartless relationship with God. Meditation and prayer. . .both practices are vital. But without meditation, prayer can be nothing more than vain babblings. Meditation cannot help but lead me to prayer.
I remember when I was encouraged to “pray for at least 10 minutes a day” and was held accountable to it on a piece of paper! To think that I would set my timer! For 10 minutes! And then try to fill the time with whatever I could think of. The Lord knows my heart at that time was right–I was doing what I was told to do by a well-meaning mentor. My prayers were still often-times heart-felt and always heard. But, I think of that time, and am speechless with gratitude to God’s growing process. I now believe that there needn’t be a program to prayer. Isn’t it just a natural heart cry? At times, words aren’t even necessary.
He is so wonderful to us. He never leaves us in one place.
happy in Him
‘Why must people kneel down to pray? If I really wanted to pray I’ll tell you what I’d do. I’d go out into a great big field all alone or into the deep, deep woods, and I’d look up into the sky – up – up – up – into that lovely blue sky that looks as if there was no end to its blueness. And then I’d just feel a prayer.’
-L.M. Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables
Good to be Home 
Alas, for that capital crime of the Lord’s people–barrenness in praises! Oh, how fully I am persuaded that a line of praises is worth a leaf in prayer, and an hour of praises is worth a day of fasting and mourning.” John LivingstoneI have found this statement to be very true. My prayer life is so much richer when I first come to the Lord in praise and worship…once I begin worship with thanksgiving, time passes so quickly.The Holy Spirit gives birth to prayer.
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Phil.4:4-7Amen
I love this post. It was an encouragement to me! love you and have a great day! Elisha
Thank you!! Such encouragement!!
I really enjoyed this post! Thank you, and you are right. It’s something that i never really thought about. I mean, I do meditate but I don’t consciously make sure that I do, and I think sometimes, my words to God really are just a mumbling, kinda. Because I should. Not because I am truly thinking and feeling them. Thank you – I am going to work on this. Have a wonderful day! – April
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I really appreciate your thoughts on this. Sometimes my heart just bubbles over with glad praises ~ you are right ~ that is when I feel closest to Him. Sometimes, when out walking or taking pictures ~ awe just wells up in me and spills out in a prayer of joy. When I most appreciate his might and power and beauty, I can talk to Him more freely, it seems ~ not out of duty, but from my heart. Blessings on your day.
By the way, the old favorite song featured on LookingToTheSon today says it all, doesn’t it? (Shanda, how do I turn that underlined site name into a link?)
Never mind ~ I figured it out ~ well, duh! fwren
Sorry for all these comments in a row.
Yes, spending time with the Lord, meditating and praying His Word, is crucial. We should be meditating on His Word day and night, He fills us with joy and peace. God truly does know our hearts and He knows what we want to say, how we truly feel deep inside. Your post was once again encouraging. Be blessed today.
The hoar frost yesterday morning, and the picture on dotmarie’s site of the lake with waves crashing on among the frozen “froth” I guess you’d call it, all inspired these thoughts. Have been enjoying your posts. God Bless your day!
Happy Belated birthday!
“Isn’t it just a natural heart cry?” Good thoughts, and so true! While there may be a place and time for “set aside” prayer, we can commune with Him any time.ryc? I’ve given up on snow right now, 70 degrees…. although I do recall a long time ago when we had a little in March…extremely rare.
AMEN, AMEN, AMEN….What a beautiful heartfelt post that brought tears to my eyes and a smile to my face. Have a wonderful day
Love, Michelle
ps) No I didn’t hurt my back this time LOL
Beautiful post! I know already that this is going to be a good conversation with my hubby! Thanks!
great post 🙂
Words to be encouraged by! Thank you. I also just caught up on your day with your cousin. The Inspiration Station is my kinda day!! Bless you today!
Thank you for this post, Shanda.
The second quote, well all of them really, but the second one really spoke to me. Intersting that you have brought up this subject of medidtation it has been in my thoughts as well.
Love the new fiesta ware!!!
perhaps you needed the timer so that you can get to the next level where you don’t need a timer. The quotes were amazing esp. the last one! Meditation truly is key but it is so hard for Americans with all the racket we put on around us all the time- t.v. music, people, we never truly learn to either appreciate silence or create an inner silence where we walk in daily communion with Him in themidst of hubbub and noise. Blessings!
Glad to read this today. I used to get stuck in my *habit* of prayer. I’ve been given acronyms, schedules, formulas for prayer; all are in vain. Prayer must come from the heart, and I’m finding that I don’t apply ANY KIND OF FORMULA to my conversations with others. Why apply them to God, the Maker of the Universe? He doesn’t delight in that! He loves it when His children climb up in His lap and enjoy being in His presence. And if they fall asleep, who cares? He gets to hold them.
Love this post!