The first time I heard this poem by Mary A. Kidder [1876] in a song was as manager of the Christian Literature Crusade bookshop in Freetown. Each day as part of our music ministry to guests and customers this song was among many played to inspire and challenge all through the day.

Ere you left your room this morning,
Did you think to pray?
In the name of Christ our Savior,
Did you sue for loving favor,
As a shield today?

(Chorus)
Oh, how praying rests the weary!
Prayer will change the night to day;
So in sorrow and in gladness,
Don’t forget to pray.

The month of August is full of challenging activities, especially getting students ready for school and college. As you go through your busy days allow me to challenge you with the second stanza of the song:

When you met with great temptation,
Did you think to pray?
By His dying love and merit,
Did you claim the Holy Spirit
As your guide and stay? (Chorus)

Many people think of prayer as something to be done in the morning or at night, before meals, during church services, or just when we’re in trouble. But the Bible calls us to embrace a deeper dimension of prayer.

We’re called to be devoted to prayer…to continue in an attitude of prayer every minute of the day…to pray all the time, silently or aloud…and to persevere in prayer, without giving up. Please PRAY with me:

Almighty God, give me a burden for PRAYER. I don’t want to have a superficial PRAYER life, but the kind of PRAYER life that is Sincere, Serious, Serene, and with a Sense of purpose. In the name of Jesus my ROCK! Amen.

3. When your heart was filled with anger,
Did you think to pray?
Did you plead for grace, my brother,
That you might forgive another
Who had crossed your way? (Chorus)

4. When sore trials came upon you,
Did you think to pray?
When your soul was bowed in sorrow,
Balm of Gilead did you borrow
At the gates of day? (Chorus)