An
illustrious example of constancy and power in prayer, we find in John Wesley:
“It is said that ‘as a matter of habit and rule, John Wesley’s ordinary
private praying consumed two hours a day.’ At times he would gather his
company and pray all night, or till the power of God came down. Nothing was
considered too great or too small to take to the Lord. Seized with a pain in
the midst of his preaching, so that he could not speak, ‘I know my remedy,’
he says, and immediately kneeled down. In a moment the pain was gone, and the
voice of the Lord cried aloud to sinners. Being seized with a pain, fever and
cough, so that he could scarcely speak, ‘I called on Jesus aloud to increase
my faith. While I was speaking my pain vanished away, my fever left me, and
my bodily strength returned.’ |
“The elements,
as well as sickness, were often in his way, and prayer removed the
hindrances. ‘Just as I began to preach the sun broke out and shone
exceedingly hot on my head. I found if it continued I should not be-able to
speak long, and I lifted up my heart to God. In a minute or two it was
covered with clouds which continued till the service was over.’ And he says:
‘Let any one who please call this chance, I call it an answer to prayer.’ It
was raining, and Wesley and his congregation were crowded out of the church,
and the rain ceased the moment they came out. He says in regard to this
incident: ‘How many proofs must we have that there is no petition too little,
any more than too great, for God to grant?’ |
“Wesley
moved things mightily, because he moved God mightily. He became the prince of
evangelists, because he was the prince of prayers. He stirred the world with
the -fire of his zeal, because he had stirred heaven by the fire of his
prayers. His pleas had access to men’s consciences, because they had access
to God. If more men prayed as John Wesley prayed, there would be more of John
Wesley’s thoroughly spiritual work done. “ — Prevailing Prayer, by Wigle. |
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Touching
Incidents and Remarkable Answers to Prayer By S. B. SHAW. |
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From: http://www.ccel.org/ |