Colossians 3:2 “Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.”
Hebrews 4:16 “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.”
Jeremiah Lanphier held his first lunchtime prayer meeting on September 23, 1857. Though it had humble beginnings, with only six people in attendance at that first meeting, it set a solid foundation for the miracles to follow. In order to advertise the event, Lanphier distributed handbills throughout lower Manhattan that encouraged the residents and workers from that area to join him on the church’s third floor lecture hall at noon on that day.
The first part of those handbills contained the specifics about the planned meetings while reminding the reader that “In prayer we leave the business of time for that of eternity, and intercourse with man for intercourse with God.” (see https://prayatlunch.us/business-of-eternity/ for the entire text). The handbills also included the following poem entitled “Benefits of Prayer”:
Prayer is appointed to convey
The blessings God designs to give:
Long as they live should Christians pray,
For only while they pray they live.
If pain afflict, or wrongs oppress;
If cares distract, or fears dismay;
If guilt deject; if sin distress –
In every case still watch and pray.
Tis prayer supports the soul that’s weak;
Tho’ thought be broken, language lame,
Pray if thou canst or canst not speak;
But pray with faith in Jesus’ name.
Depend on Him, thou canst not fail;
Make all thy wants and wishes known;
Fear not, His merits must prevail;
Ask but in faith – it shall be done.
These powerful thoughts on the potency of prayer spurred one of the most powerful revivals in American history. In modern day America, may we similarly recognize the potency of prayer. After all, as long as we live, we must pray; for only while we pray, we live.
AS AMERICAN CHRISTIANS, PLEASE PRAY PASSIONATELY FOR OUR NATION AND FOR THE CAUSE OF CHRIST IN OUR LAND. Through regular fervent prayer, leave the business of time for that of eternity, and intercourse with man for intercourse with God. For only while we pray, we live.
