Alexander Campbell On Personal Prayer

The Christian’s life is, indeed, but one protracted communion with God, through his works of creation, providence, moral government and redemption. He sees, admires, and glorifies God in all these. Hence, his constant ejaculatory prayers and praises in the contemplation of all these manifestations of divine glory.

Still the Christian must have his stated seasons of prayer, as he has his stated meals. He must also have seasons of preparation for the enjoyment of them. We cannot profitably and reverently rush into the presence of God, as the horse rushes into battle. We must have time for self-examination; we must ask ourselves what we want, and how we expect to obtain it. We must enter into our closet and shut the door, and converse with ourselves and with our God by abstracting ourselves from the world in all its forms, its cares, its pleasures, and pursuits. This is essential to any spiritual advantage or profit in our communings with God.—Millennial Harbinger, 1849, p 7.