So writes Whittier, in his poem called, Our Master; and this is the spirit in which all Christians should pray. Do we love our neighbor better because of this asking? Do we pursue the old selfishness, satisfied with having prayed for something better, though we give no evidence of the sincerity of our requests, by living consistently with our prayer? If selfishness has given place to love, we shall regard our neighbor unselfishly, and bless them that curse us; but we shall never meet this great duty by simply asking that it may he done. There is a cross to be taken up before we can enjoy the fruition of our hope.
Do we “love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, and strength”? This command includes much, — even the surrender of all sensation, affection, and worship that are merely personal. This is the ultimatum of Christianity. It involves the Science of Life, recognizing only the divine control of Spirit, wherein Soul is our master, and personal sense has no place.
Are you willing to leave all for Christ, for Truth, and be counted with sinners? No! Do you really desire to attain this point? No! Then why make long prayers about it, and ask to be Christ-like; since you care not to tread in the footsteps of our dear Master?
If unwilling to drink his cup, wherefore pray with the lips that you may be partakers of it? Consistent prayer is the desire to do right, so far as we understand right.
Prayer means that we will walk in the light, so far as we receive it, even though with bleeding footsteps, and leave our real desires to be rewarded by Him who seeth in secret.
