True boldness in prayer is not to be judged by good words, but by this test: How far is the will of the flesh trodden under foot, and God's will the guide of the soul? If the ear of sinners be shut to our words, let our mouth be opened at the Mercy-seat in their behalf. The children of God are apt to think meanly of their prayers and holy things, and to doubt the acceptance of their offerings because of imperfections. It is well indeed to have the humble mind; but unbelief is not pleasing to God. The prattlings of a child are sweeter in the Father's ear than all the best spoken words of a bond-servant. Elisha asked for "a hard thing" (2 Kings 2:10). So with many of our requests; they are not things too hard for the Lord, who delights to give liberally, and with whom nothing is impossible: but a prepared heart is needed to receive a great spiritual blessing; and it is by much self-denial the heart is prepared. Christ's intercession is grounded on His atonement; and so is the prayer of faith. When we ask for conformity to Christ, and are not content to be stripped and emptied, it is prayer going out of feigned lips. (Ps. 15:1.) God our Father can refuse His children nothing that is for their good. Those who have acquaintance with God desire only what is according to His will—they know their happiness lies in having no will but His. Thus they have everything their own way: it is their delight to please God, and what pleases God pleases them. The prayers recorded in Scripture say much in few words; and the soul persuaded that "God is" cannot be wordy—takes hold of God, and prevails. Few are strangers to _making_ prayers, but how many, alas, are strangers to prayer! The soul in true prayer looks at the Cross, and says, Were it not for that Cross I should never have prayed at all. The prayer of the psalmist is often no more than a cry, a sigh, a desire of the poor, the contrite soul. It is not by our much outward work that the value of our service will be judged in the day of the Lord. Many of the church's best helpers are intercessors confined to their beds. The importunate widow (Luke 18) represents the whole of God's elect. They are a praying people and the parable teaches them that God will prove their faith; will seem to the flesh to favour their adversary; but that perseverance in prayer will surely prevail. The circumstances of every hour furnish us with errands to the throne of grace; and we ought, in the secret of our hearts, to be communing with God our Father all the day long, hearing His voice, asking His guidance, or making confession, if in any of these things we fail. As we advance in acquaintance with God and with ourselves, we shall have more and more of the spirit of _little children_, distrusting ourselves, and putting all our trust in Him. __1__ Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved.