6th February 2004

Good morning everyone,

We'd like to share some excerpts from the writings of E.M. Bounds (Judy and Rob's recommended reading for the start of 2005).

To pray is the greatest thing we can do. The results of many of our prayers lie outside the range of human possibilities. These results are limited only by the omnipotence of God.

We can do all things by His aid and we can have the whole of His aid by asking. Prayer can do everything that God can do.

Christians do not stir themselves up by praying. A Christian's praying is the stirring of themselves to take hold of God.

Thought is not only brightened and clarified in prayer but thought is born in prayer. Praying gives sense, brings wisdom, broadens and strengthens the mind. Revelations are given in the closet of prayer that cannot be given anywhere else.

One of Satan's tricks is to destroy the best with the good. Business and other duties are good but we can get so filled with them that we crowd out prayer.

Prayer that is felt as a might force is the product of much time spend with God. Our short prayers owe their point and efficacy to the long ones that have preceded them. Asking is the rule of the kingdom. God did not relax this expectation in Jesus' earthly life. "Ask of me and I will make the nations your inheritance the ends of the earth your possession. (Psalm 2:9)". Prayer is a trade to be learned. We must serve time at it.

God bless
Alan and Mavis Ripberger