Doctrines of Prayer, Faith, and Peace by James Hastings: Hastings, James - Doctrine of Prayer: 100. Chapter 20: The Manner Of Prayer

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Doctrines of Prayer, Faith, and Peace by James Hastings: Hastings, James - Doctrine of Prayer: 100. Chapter 20: The Manner Of Prayer



TOPIC: Hastings, James - Doctrine of Prayer (Other Topics in this Collection)
SUBJECT: 100. Chapter 20: The Manner Of Prayer

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THE MANNER OF PRAYER.

HE understands little of the psychology of the Christian life who does not know that attitude and language may greatly help him who would really pray. Certain physical habitudes have been associated with our holiest aspirations and expectations; certain words, whether of Holy Writ, of ancient liturgy, or of individual choice often repeated, have voiced the soul’s desire and uttered its praise. It is easier to pray kneeling in the familiar places and often in the very words made precious by frequent use; that is, if the real spirit of prayer is present. The danger is that these purely external conditions shall be given too large a place. They are not prayer at all. They are no necessary part of prayer. If they tend to formality or indifference, they hinder prayer. Prayer is at heart something spiritual. It is the longing contact of the spirit of man with the Spirit of his Maker.

Four of these “purely external” conditions remain for brief treatment. They are:—

I.       The Posture in Prayer.

II.      Form or Freedom in Prayer.

III.     The Length of Prayer.

IV.      The Voice in Prayer.