Undue anxiety may be called almost a sin. It preys upon the peace of mind and happiness of untold thousands of men and women. The most learned and efficient men in the world have devoted much of their time to the study of worry; but no one of them has found a cure for it. Many books have, however, been written advising this or that course of life to overcome the evil, and all these books possess value. But it is to be noted that the cause of worry in any man is {101} usually something over which man has no control. Neither worry, nor any other thing that man may do, can change the nature of things. We are forced therefore to admit that the only cure for worry known to man is that presented by Jesus. His cure consists of a childlike faith and trust in the goodness of God--a trust so simple and strong that anxious care can find no place in the mind. It consists of such a confidence in the providence of God as Abraham displayed when he was commanded to offer his dearly beloved son Isaac on the altar of sacrifice. Abraham wavered not; he worried not; and God provided the sacrifice that was meet. Of course, it requires courage, patience, and persistent effort to cultivate so supreme a degree of faith. Yet, one who has it not can hardly say with truth that he has learned fully to know God. Indeed, such sublime faith alone marks the truly converted and nobly devoted soul; whereas the lack of such faith reveals a lack of fulness of trust in God--almost a disloyalty to God. One cannot in this world attain to real peace and happiness without implicit faith in God. Without it, one can not keep on keeping on in fervent prayer to God. [Sidenote: God knows best.] Finally, it must be remembered that another phase of this childlike trust may affect the answer to our prayers. If they remain unanswered, it may be because it is best for us so. No other man has ever suffered as did Jesus in Gethsemane. No other man has ever prayed as Jesus did there. Yet, recall the spirit of that prayer. "O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from {102} me: nevertheless not as I will but as Thou wilt." This is the true spirit of faith-inspired prayer. [Sidenote: Thy will be done.] Such petitions Jesus would have us utter. He would have us pray constantly for those things that we desire intensely. He would have us repose implicit childlike trust in the Heavenly Father. He would have each one of us feel always, "Nevertheless not my will, but Thine, be done." And in this spirit He would have us always keep on keeping on. THE REFERENCES Luke 11:5-8. Matt. 6:25-30. Luke 18:1-8. Matt. 6:33-34. THE QUESTIONS 1. What should be the feeling of one whose prayer is not immediately answered? 2. What is the lesson conveyed in the Sunday School hymn "Unanswered Yet?" 3. Why are our prayers often unanswered? 4. What is the difference between long repetitious prayers and frequent prayers? 5. What is the meaning of the parable of the importunate friend?