In secret

John Benton  |  Reviews
Date posted:  1 Aug 2002
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A CALL TO PRAYER
By J.C. Ryle
Banner of Truth. 32 pages. £1.25
ISBN 0 85151 819 2

J.C. Ryle, the first bishop of Liverpool, was brilliant at writing short and powerful tracts. This is a reprint of one which is well worth reading.

He asks the question: 'Do you pray?' and presses upon his readers the necessity of private prayer. He addresses unbelievers, and makes a potent case that 'converted people always pray', and that without heartfelt private prayer we are fooling ourselves if think we are truly Christians.

He then goes on to address believers. He encourages us by reminding us that 'there is everything on God's part to make prayer easy'. There is a way through Christ's blood into God's presence. The risen Jesus is our advocate in heaven waiting to present the prayers of those who come to God through him. There is the Holy Spirit ever ready to help us in our difficulties in prayer. There are marvellous promises in Scripture held out to those who pray. The Bible also contains many wonderful examples of the power of prayer. In his usual vigorous style Ryle goes on to fuel our prayers, telling us that secret prayer is the key to progressing in holiness and the best means of finding happiness and contentment in life. He warns us too that neglect of prayer is the major cause of backsliding.

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