Discipline Brings Us to Prayer by Octavius Winslow

                           from Octavius Winslow’s book,

                                     “THE INNER LIFE”

Nothing more effectually quickens us to communion with God than the trial that flows from His love, and is sanctified by His Spirit.

Oh, beloved, betake yourself unto prayer! You shall indeed find it the outlet of all sorrow, and the inlet of all joy.

Welcome the trouble that thus revives you.

Receive with meekness of spirit, yes with gladness of heart, the discipline, however humbling, that throws you upon God; yes, that severs you from all creatures, and that shuts you up to Him alone.

That discipline, painful as it is, springs from love.

In love that trouble is sent,

in love that cross is permitted,

in love that bitter cup is given,

in love that rod is used—

It is to set you upon the work of prayer.

Beloved, “despise not the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when you are rebuked by Him,” for He only seeks to draw you closer within His bosom.

Give your troubled spirit unto prayer. Yield it to the reposing, soothing influence, of communion with God.

Withhold not from your bleeding wound this healing balsam, rob not your sick heart of this precious panacea.

Give yourself unto prayer. Embosom your tried and weary spirit in the very heart of Jehovah!

[Taken from pages 354-355 of Grace Gems Collection 2001. It can be downloaded FREE from http://www.gracegems.org/bookstore.htm]