Bunyan about prayer
Mr. John Bunyan’s Words and sayings
Published in Offor’s 1861 edition of Bunyan’s Works.
PRAYER
Before you enter into prayer, ask your soul these questions: To what purpose, Oh my soul, have you entered into this quiet place? Have you not come to talk with the Lord in prayer? Is He here? Will He hear you? Is He merciful? Will He help you? Is your business trivial; is it not concerning the welfare of your soul? What words will you use to move Him to compassion?
To make your preparation complete, consider that you are but dust and ashes, and He is the great God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who clothes Himself with light as with a garment (Psalm 104:2)...
In all your prayers, forget not to thank the Lord for His mercies.
When you pray, it is better to let your heart be without words than to let your words be without heart.
Prayer will make a man cease from sin, or sin will entice a man to cease from prayer.
The spirit of prayer is more precious than treasures of gold and silver.
Pray often, for prayer is a shield to the soul, a sacrifice to God, and a scourge for Satan.
John Bunyan was born in November 1628, in Elstow, England. A celebrated English minister and preacher, he wrote The Pilgrim’s Progress (1678), the book that was the most characteristic expression of the Puritan religious outlook. His other works include doctrinal and controversial writings; a spiritual autobiography, Grace Abounding (1666); and the allegory, The Holy War (1682).
