The New York herald., 1871-05-15
WASHINGTON CHURCHES.
Rev. Mr.. Steele on the Efficacy
of Prayer.
BEAR YE ONE ANOTnERS BURDENS.
ST. MARKS EPISCOPAL CHURCH.

Rev. nlr. Steele ON the Efficacy of Prayer.
WASHINGTON. May IA, 1871.
The services at st. Marks Protestant Episcopal
church this morning were conducted by Rev. +. A.
Steele the rector. who dscoursed prayer select
ing for his text, whatsoever ye shall ask the
Father in my name He viii give 1t you''-John xvi
90. The thought, he said, presented by this days
services is
THE EFFICACY OF PRAYER,
through the intercession OF Jesus Christ. In the
Gospel history we have followed our Lord through
all his walks He is, as it were, in the observance
OF the festivals OF the year, about to ascend into
heaven to be our High Priest at the right hand OF
God, and to receive gifts for men. He alone can
ask the Father on the ground OF HIS righteous
ness, for His own sake, and all must plead His
righteous name, ever dear to the Father, If they
would obtain the blessings desired. Prayer, In a
general sense is an act OF asking for favor. In a
religious sense 1t is an act OF asking God for the
benefits which:He has to bcstow. The Creator has
made this mode OF communication with Him not
only
PRIVILEGE, But DUTY.
Prayer is offered under different circumstances
ana for various objects. II may be made when in
our chambers, with none but the Al.seeing eye
upon us; together with the family as we walk upon
tie street ana IN the congregation OF worshippers.
or for others He spoke particularly Of family
prayer, which he feared was too much neglected.,
and which was so strongly commended IN the Old
Testament Concerning the dispositions in which
prayer should be offered, the earnest Christian
uniorgiyen sins ana with a purpose TO live
IN obedience TO His law. Those who have conse-
Grated themselves to God, who have formed the
haot of praying to Him, will at times indulge sinful
desires or tempers, and in the hour OF prayer forget
ocon'ess these or TO ask for grace to overcome the
lesser Genial sins. In the next place, to obtain the
gifts impored they must come before God with q
sincere desire for the things asked OF Him.
UrBpA
the things one would wish from our Heavenly
Father, and one of the greatest diniculties with
spirit OF devotion Is the difficulty OF realizing their
condition and their wants, though sense or them
overwhelming force. II is not easy to retain II.
They need often to pray for this very thing 10 know
anu feel with all possible vividness and intensity
that they are by nature vile creatures, subject,
until, pnil we are reconcled to- God through
the Holy spirit has begun the WORK or our sauctn-
cation, they are wholly powerless to DO or be good
or enjoy good except as the Holy Spirit helps them
every moment. Again, prayer, TO find acceptance
WIN tne Lord must be ACCOMPANIED with faith that
just what we ask, but that which we need in accord.
ance win His holy Will. Would 1t be wise, would 1t
be GoC.ke, wonld 1t be benevolent to grant what
sOever ~ may please us To askY Yet few men make
1u trial OF the power OF prayer or go TO 1t with
q determination TO wrest from It Its very last
those things which the Christian continually needs
ne must ask for continually and regularly. Most Of
newa Is necessary. This is especially true OF spirl
tual blessings 1he power to resist temptations. the
graces which mend our characters in their weak
points, and all the sanctlfying influence OF the Holy
Ghost because the united and frequent petitions or
the Church are more eflcacous than indlvi-
| dual prayers for obtaining the blessings
lts members need In common. The true
churchman should never neglect when 1t is
In his power TO attend the services IN Gods
house. While family prayer should have It's stated
| hours and private dev0iions never be neglected,
elacnatory prayer could always be offered, and the
habit OF lifting ones thoughts 10 God, morning,
noon and night, was the practice OF devUut Chris
tians In all parts OF the world The habit OF pray
ing at stated periods Is necessary To maintain that
temper OF soul which makes special invocations In
special times Of need easy and almost spontaneous.
These regular ascents on the wings OF prayer Keep
US ready for the sudden fights 10 which we COM
| PEELED when unexpected evils disturb our rest.
IN CONCLUSION
ne said if tho whole or the greater number OF the
disciples OF Christianity were with an unialtering
resolution OF each, TO combine In asking tnat
/ Heaven should not withhold one single influence
which the utmost effort OF united aud pcrsevcrnR
J svDpcatlon would obtain. II would DC tue slgR oI