"It is but natural that, with all his shrewdness, Satan's first concern should be to turn us from that which is most essential to our Christian experience.
This offers a clue as to why it is easier to get Christians to do almost anything else than pray.
Q: How can he develop a communion so sweet that the very spot on which he kneels seems sacred, and he is loath to leave his hidden retreat, even wishing to remain for hours?
Was it not this question that led the disciples to request, "Lord, teach us to pray"? ... Notice the wording of Luke 11:1, where this request is recorded: "It came to pass, that, as He was praying in a certain place, when He ceased, one of His disciples said unto Him, Lord, teach us to pray." Of this occasion we read on pages 151, 152, of "Mount of Blessing:"
"The disciples had been for a short time absent from their Lord, when on their return they found Him absorbed in communion with God. Seeming unconscious of their presence, He continued praying aloud. He seemed to be in the very presence of the Unseen. . . . The hearts of the listening disciples were deeply moved. .. . As He ceased praying . . . they exclaimed, 'Lord, teach us to pray."
A: The answer is clearly given in the first words of the Savior's response: "When ye pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven." Luke 11:2.. In other words, if we would enjoy prayer, we must realize that God is our Father, and be conscious of His personal presence."
G.E.West/Ministry1938
This offers a clue as to why it is easier to get Christians to do almost anything else than pray.
Q: How can he develop a communion so sweet that the very spot on which he kneels seems sacred, and he is loath to leave his hidden retreat, even wishing to remain for hours?
Was it not this question that led the disciples to request, "Lord, teach us to pray"? ... Notice the wording of Luke 11:1, where this request is recorded: "It came to pass, that, as He was praying in a certain place, when He ceased, one of His disciples said unto Him, Lord, teach us to pray." Of this occasion we read on pages 151, 152, of "Mount of Blessing:"
"The disciples had been for a short time absent from their Lord, when on their return they found Him absorbed in communion with God. Seeming unconscious of their presence, He continued praying aloud. He seemed to be in the very presence of the Unseen. . . . The hearts of the listening disciples were deeply moved. .. . As He ceased praying . . . they exclaimed, 'Lord, teach us to pray."
A: The answer is clearly given in the first words of the Savior's response: "When ye pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven." Luke 11:2.. In other words, if we would enjoy prayer, we must realize that God is our Father, and be conscious of His personal presence."
G.E.West/Ministry1938