For the next few days I'm going to be quoting from John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist Church. He is known in a practical sense for teaching his followers to have a "methodical" lifestyle of devotions, self-examination, and service. He is known theologically for introducing The Doctrine of Christian Perfection, which we would call sanctification. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Wesley
The description of the whole armor of God shows us how great a thing it is to be a Christian. The lack of one thing makes us incomplete. Though one has his loins girded, has on the breastplate, his feet shod, the shield of faith, and sword of the Spirit, yet one more thing is needed: praying always. At all times and occasions, in the midst of all actions, inwardly "praying without ceasing." "By the Spirit" -- through the influence of the Holy Spirit. "With all prayer" -- all sorts of prayer: public, private, mental, vocal. . . Some use only mental prayer, thinking it is a way of worship superior to any other. But it requires far more grace to be enabled to pour out a fervent and continued prayer than to offer up mental aspirations. . . .
Perhaps we receive few answers to prayer because we do not intercede enough for others.
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