J.C. Ryle, a 19th Century Anglican bishop, asks a pointed and necessary question in this very short book – Do you pray? A question for everybody.
Below is an excerpt of the book’s prologue:
And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart. (Luke 18:1)
I desire then that in every place the men should pray (1 Timothy 2:8)
“I want to ask you an exceptionally important question. It is the title of this short book and it is contained in just three words: Do you pray?
Only you can answer that question. Your minister knows whether you attend public worship or not. Your relatives know whether you have family prayers at home or not. Your friends may know whether you pray with other people. But only you know whether you pray in private. That is a matter between just you and God.
I beg you to think carefully about this. Please do not say that the question is too personal. If your heart is right in God’s sight, it should not be a problem. There is nothing to be worried about. Please do not try to sidestep my question by saying that you ‘say your prayers’. We all know that it is one thing to say your prayers, and another thing entirely to ‘pray’. And please do not tell me that my question is unnecessary. Bear with me a little while longer, and I will show you that I have some very good reasons for asking it.”
In a simple and straightforward manner, the book offers reasons why the question that doubles as its title is a vital one to ask and be asked. “Do you genuinely want to grow in grace and be a truly holy Christian? If you do, there is no more important question than this: Do you pray?“
Do pick up a copy to read.
Thanks for reading!
Sike Osinuga.