Prayer is the outcome of our sense of need, and of our continual dependence upon God. He, who uttered the invitation, "Ask, and it shall be given you," is Himself the Mediator and High Priest who, by His Spirit, prompts the petition, and who presents it with acceptance before God. With such an invitation, prayer becomes the duty and the privilege of all that are called by His name. Prayer is, in the awakened soul, the utterance of the cry, "God be merciful to me a sinner," and, at every stage of the believer's course, prayer is essential to his spiritual life. A life without prayer is a life practically without God. The Christian's life is a continual asking. The thirst that prompts the petition produces, as it is satisfied, still deeper longings, which prepare for yet more bounteous supplies, from Him who delights to bless. Prayer is not confined to the closet. When uttered in response to the prompting of the Holy Spirit, it becomes an important part of public worship, and, whenever the Lord's people meet together in His name, it is their privilege to wait upon Him for the spirit of grace and supplication. A life of prayer cannot be other than a life of praise. As the peace of Christ reigns in the church, her living members accept all that they receive as from His pure generosity in giving, and each day brings them fresh pledges of their Father's love. Satisfied with His goodness, they will ever praise Him.