The Serenity of Prayer

The habit of prayer produces a certain clarity of mind and spirit. David is encompassed by words of hatred, he is fought against for no apparent reason, he sows love and reaps enmity; but his spirit is untouched, the center of life unruffled. In the midst of all the turmoil of opposing forces, he moves in an atmosphere of clarity which clothes him as a garment, for he gives himself to prayer. Psalm 109:3-4.

This serenity of mind and calmness of spirit in the midst of difficulties and confusing elements is the fruit of the growth of the inner man—growing as the soul habituates itself to communion and cooperation with God.

The child of God can, of all men, be calm and serene in the face of danger, be it spiritual or physical, because his peace rests upon life—the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus—and it is life that begets life, yes and more, this spirit life begets life after its own likeness.

Disciple, watch your Master. He saw the gathering clouds of world-hatred ready to burst upon Him, saw the ever-darkening shadow of the Cross upon His path; yet He did mot meet force with force, carnality with carnality, because He said He came to do the will of the Father, and thus steadfastly set His face to go to Jerusalem.

Therefore, whether it was a proud Pharisee, a contemptuous Scribe, a tumultuous mob, or ribald soldiery, He met all with a calm spirit and a clear countenance, ever watchful of the great spiritual foe who directed the carnal mind which is enmity against God. Likewise, let us “Watch and pray.”

Why is there so much confusion? Why this fearfulness which either rushes into panic or holds back in trembling cowardice? “I was afraid” (Gen. 3:10), is the language born of Satanic influence in thought or deed. “I fear no evil” (Psalm 23), is the language of that soul that has, by prayer and communion, learned to dwell in the secret place of the Most High, and abide under the shadow of the Almighty. For He calms the storm, and He brings them to their desired haven.