The consideration of the subject of Prayer is of infinitely greater importance than any other on which we can bestow our thought. It is the golden chord which connects the finite with the Infinite. Through its medium we are carried away from sense into Soul, from darkness into the light of Truth, from the seeming power of sin and sickness unto God. Through its agency we are enabled to overcome sin and sickness, and to build unto ourselves a higher understanding of the omnipotence and omnipresence of God.
We are therefore led to consider, What is Prayer? We offer a petition to our temporal rulers, asking for some material favor. We call it a Prayer; and this is correct, from the standpoint in which such petitions are presented; but such a material petition could receive no cognizance from the "Giver of every good and perfect gift." Thus we come to consider the question, What is Prayer? in its higher sense. We answer, It is "Soul's sincere desire, uttered or unexpressed." Silent or audible, it is communion with God. It may be offered in the sanctuary (or closet) of Soul, or the same thoughts may be voiced before the multitude. Whatever be our form or method, we have no claim to divine recognition, unless our petitions are clothed with the Spirit of Truth and Love, as exemplified in the Life and teachings of our blessed Master.
No thought can open the fountain of Truth and Love, unless it be of like nature with that fountain, begotten of Truth and Love. The carnal mind, which is mortal, must be overcome, before we can reach the floodgates of God's Love and mercy. In proportion as we overcome the mortal with the immortal thought, and subject sensualism to Soul, we may in faith claim the fruition of God's promise in answer to prayer.
