We shall never see much change for the better in our churches in general till the prayer meeting occupies a higher place in the esteem of Christians.
Interpretation
The quote emphasizes the importance of prayer meetings in fostering positive change within churches.
Charles Spurgeon suggests that for churches to improve and evolve in a meaningful way, there must be a shift in how prayer meetings are valued by Christians. He implies that when prayer takes a central role in the community's spiritual life, it can lead to transformative change within the church itself, highlighting the connection between prayer and a thriving faith community.
In practice
During a sermon about community involvement, this quote can be used to emphasize the value of prayer gatherings.
Amusement should be used to do us good “like a medicine”: it must never be used as the food of the man...Many have had all holy thoughts and gracious resolutions stamped out by perpetual trifling. Pleasure so called is the murderer of thought. This is the age of excessive amusement: everybody craves for it, like a babe for its rattle.
When you see no present advantage, walk by faith and not by sight. Do God the honor to trust Him when it comes to matters of loss for the sake of principle.
It is far easier to fight with sin in public than to pray against it in private.
You will never glory in God till first of all God has killed your glorying in yourself.
After faith comes repentance, or, rather, repentance is faith's twin brother and is born at the same time.
["All the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth unto such as keep his covenant."] The original Hebrew word that has been translated "paths" means "well-worn roads' or "wheel tracks," such ruts as wagons make when they go down our green roads in wet weather and sink in up to the axles. God's ways are at times like heavy wagon tracks that cut deep into our souls, yet all of them are merciful.
What we do every time we pray is to confess our impotence and God's sovereignty.
It is now for the Catholic Church to bend herself to her work with calmness and generosity. It is for you to observe her with renewed and friendly attention.
It is not always those who have the most eminent gifts who are the most successful laborers for God. It is generally those who keep up closest communion with Christ and are most constant in prayer.
We need to stop giving people excuses not to believe in God. You've probably heard the expression 'I believe in God, just not organized religion'. I don't think people would say that if the church truly lived like we are called to live.
Dearest Jesus, holy child, make thee a bed, soft, undefiled, within my heart, that it may be a quiet chamber kept for thee.
We cannot live as Christians separate from the rock who is Christ. He gives us strength and stability, but also joy and serenity.
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