Prayer may be regarded as the breathing of the spiritual man. This constant intercourse with God is the life of faith. We live with him, converse with him, and enjoy communion with him, through the Holy Spirit which dwelleth in us. If so, our desires were carnal, and did not proceed from the Spirit of God. We must learn to regulate our desires by the will of God, and our prayers will be sure to obtain a gracious hearing.
Sincere prayer begins with the very commencement of spiritual life.
Spiritual life, evidenced at first by the breathing of prayer, is afterwards indicated by spiritual growth. To be spiritual, we must not ever remain babes in religion. The truth of God supplies the milk for babes, and the strong meat for those who have attained to greater age. Unless the truth strengthens the inner man, and gives increased vigor in the Christian life, our study of it has been in vain.