Morning
Time: 1:39 AM PST
"The fire shall ever be burning upon the altar; it shall never go out."
--Leviticus 6:13
Keep the altar of private prayer burning. This is the very life of all
piety. The sanctuary and family altars borrow their fires here, there- fore let
this burn well. Secret devotion is the very essence, evidence, and barometer, of
vital and experimental religion.
Burn here the fat of your sacrifices. Let your closet seasons be, if
possible, regular, frequent, and undisturbed. Effectual prayer availeth much.
Have you nothing to pray for? Let us suggest the Church, the ministry, your own
soul, your children, your relations, your neighbours, your country, and the
cause of God and truth throughout the world. Let us examine ourselves on this
important matter. Do we engage with lukewarmness in private devotion? Is the
fire of devotion burning dimly in our hearts? Do the chariot wheels drag
heavily? If so, let us be alarmed at this sign of decay. Let us go with weeping,
and ask for the Spirit of grace and of supplications. Let us set apart special
seasons for extraordinary prayer. For if this fire should be smothered beneath
the ashes of a worldly conformity, it will dim the fire on the family altar, and
lessen our influence both in the Church and in the world.
The text will also apply to the altar of the heart. This is a golden
altar indeed. God loves to see the hearts of His people glowing towards Himself.
Let us give to God our hearts, all blazing with love, and seek His grace, that
the fire may never be quenched; for it will not burn if the Lord does not keep
it burning. Many foes will attempt to extinguish it; but if the unseen hand
behind the wall pour thereon the sacred oil, it will blaze higher and higher.
Let us use texts of Scripture as fuel for our heart's fire, they are live coals;
let us attend sermons, but above all, let us be much alone with Jesus.