WHAT PRAYER CAN DO

Godly Prayer however, can influence and strengthen the minds and characters of the Captain and the Crew, so that they will be wisely prepared for the storm, and wisely manage the vessel, and so prevent the shipwreck. In the same may, personal prayer can inspire the Spirit, and strengthen the heart and hands of the husbandman, thus moving him to be “diligent in business” and in work, and the result is that his fields are rich and fruitful.

But Prayer is governed by exact natural and spiritual laws, and is a preparing force and process that thus prepares men to save themselves from evil, and to assure themselves of good. An unprepared Master and Crew with an unprepared vessel in a Storm, who pray to and depend on God coming right down at once, to save them, will be lost. God never answers such prayers.

George Burgess, August 1899