| THE sincere wish of the writer is that the reader in his perusal of
the following chapters on prayer will discover the fact that God has placed
at his disposal a force which is infinitely greater than the world has ever
yet dreamed. Some of the chapters Have taken their rise during times of
severe trial as well as seasons of spiritual refreshing. Others are the
outcome of years of observation of the marked difference in spiritual impressions
made under the preaching of the Word, and other Gospel ministries, in churches
and districts where there is the fellowship of Christians who are skilled
in the art of prayer, so as to know how to pray with a spirit of intensity.
This truth is abundantly revealed and confirmed all through the Bible.
One special object of the writer has been to call attention to some of the
most remarkable examples of the power of intensified prayer, both in Old
and New Testament Scriptures; though not confined to these alone. There
is generally a lack of response to Revivals where there is a lack of the
spirit of intensified prayer. By the word "response" we do not
mean shouts or rant - although we believe that a little more wholesome enthusiasm
in religious circles might be very beneficial. It is admitted in some quarters
that the gift of discernment necessary to perceive the Spirit's grace, and
to catch the tone of the Spirit's voice, in what is called "unction"
in prayer-life, as well as other God-ordained methods of Revivals, is far
stronger in Wales than in most other countries. However this may be, we
are certain that whenever there is a spirit of intensified prayer for the
salvation of sinners, there is sure to be a hearty response to all genuine
Revivals. But if through neglect of prayer, and whole-hearted devotion to
God, we have lost this spiritual responsiveness, then let us return to Him
in penitent faith and He will certainly restore to us "the years that
the locust hath eaten" (Joel ii. 25).
The writer has also endeavoured to show that the only prayers that will
prevail with God, create and keep up a spiritual atmosphere in our churches
and other spheres of Christian service, are those which take their rise
from hearts that are purified by faith in the atoning merits of Jesus Christ.
That God's rich blessing may rest upon this work is our prayer.
THE AUTHOR. PREFACE TO THE SECOND EDITION
TRULY thankful to God, for the many encouraging letters that have been received
from all parts of the world, I am deeply grateful for the kind reception
given to the book, and for the helpful reviews which have appeared in the
press. To those ministers and friends who have helped to make the book known,
may I say that many have been led to praise God for rich blessing received,
as they have come to realise in their lives the power of intensified prayer.
THE AUTHOR. |