TIS THE BLESSED HOUR OF PRAYER

         In 1984 I had the special honor of meeting President Reagan on the White House Lawn.  I had a chance to talk to him briefly and even take his picture.  It was an exciting moment talking to probably the most powerful man in the world at that time.  It was a once in a lifetime experience that I shall never forget.  But each of us has an even more awesome opportunity.  We can talk to the God of the universe at any time. We are always able to come into His presence without any appointments. He is always there.  And our conversations don't need to be brief.  And yet we so often fail to do this.  Many changes have been made in church programs during the past decades.  In my opinion, some have been good, some not so good.   In the latter category  would be an apparent de-emplasis on corporate prayer.  Many churches have dropped prayer meetings.  Others have continued them, but attendances are generally very small and usually are made up of mostly seniors.  Today believers are just to busy to gather together to pray.  Many have gone to processes like prayer chains and small groups and these can be very important and powerful, if the participants take them seriously.  I have had the privilege of having some relatives who were great prayer warriors. They knew how to spend time with God and were faithful in doing that.  But as they have passed on to glory I have the feeling that few have replaced them.  It is a special privilege and responsibility to be an intercessor. There are so many needs to be shared with the Lord.  Prayer is an expression of our faith. It should also be a special time of fellowship with the Lord and a time of worship of Him, as well as a time of confession, thanksgiving and prayer.  What an amazing truth that we can freely commune with the Creator of the universe, God almighty.  I am sure that Fanny Crosby experienced the power of prayer that led her to pen these words in 1880. Her song shares several aspects of prayer and its importance to us.  Stanza one reminds us that prayer is an expression of faith.  Stanza two shares that prayer is a communion with the Savior.  Stanza three emphasizes that prayer is a haven in the time of temptation and trial.  And verse four explains that prayer is a result of our complete confidence in God.  Regarding prayer, Alexander MacLaren has said,"What Christ needed, we cannot afford to neglect."  Indeed, Christ spent much time during his earthly ministry talking to God, His Father.  Why then should we not do likewise?   Hopefully this hymn will remind you this week of the importance and power of prayer in your life.  Plan to spend more time in His presence in this secret service of prayer.  What a balm for the weary, oh, how sweet to be there!

1. 'Tis the blessed hour of prayer, when our hearts lowly bend,

And we gather to Jesus, our Savior and friend;

If we come to Him in faith, His protection to share,

What a balm for the weary, oh, how sweet to be there!

Blessed hour of prayer, blessed hour of prayer,

What a balm for the weary, oh, how sweet to be there!

2. 'Tis the blessed hour of prayer, when the Savior draws near,

With a tender compassion His children to hear;

When He tells us we may cast at His feet every care,

What a balm for the weary, oh, how sweet to be there!

What a balm for the weary, oh, how sweet to be there!

Blessed hour of prayer, blessed hour of prayer,

What a balm for the weary, oh, how sweet to be there!

3. 'Tis the blessed hour of prayer, when the tempted and tried

To the Savior who loves them their sorrow confide;

With a sympathizing heart He removes every care;

What a balm for the weary, oh, how sweet to be there!

What a balm for the weary, oh, how sweet to be there!

Blessed hour of prayer, blessed hour of prayer,

What a balm for the weary, oh, how sweet to be there!

4. At the blessed hour of prayer, trusting Him, we believe

That the blessing we're needing we'll surely receive;

In the fullness of the trust we shall lose every care;

What a balm for the weary, oh, how sweet to be there!

Listen to it here.   LISTEN