Luke 5:16-17 And he withdrew himself into the wilderness, and prayed.… — A celebrated performer upon the piano was continually familiar with his instrument, for he used to say, "If I quit the piano one day I notice it; if I quit it two days my friends notice it; if I quit it three days the public notice it." No doubt he correctly described his experience; only by perpetual practice could he preserve the ease and delicacy of his touch. Be sure that it is so with prayer. If this holy art be neglected, even for a little time, the personal loss will be great; if the negligence be continued, our nearest spiritual friends will notice a deterioration in tone and life; and if the evil should be long indulged, our character and influence will suffer with a wider circle. To be a master of the mystery of prayer one must pray, pray continually, pray hourly, pray at all times, pray without ceasing. A Christian should no more leave off praying than the musician should leave off playing; in fact, it is the breath of every spiritual man, and woe be to him should he restrain it! (C. H. Spurgeon.) Parallel Verses KJV: And he withdrew himself into the wilderness, and prayed. |
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