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  PRAYING IN SPITE OF YOURSELF
  by Mary Wilder Tileston
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Summary: Prayer is a noble and necessary work that should be done as a
duty, even if we don't feel like it.

Topics: "Persistent Prayer", "Holy Spirit"
Scripture References: Psalm 119:25, Malachi 1:13, Ephesians 5:14, Philippians 4:6, James 4:8

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DESCRIPTION
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Mary Wilder Tileston emphasizes the importance of persevering in prayer,
regardless of our feelings or lack of spiritual uplift. She encourages
believers to view prayer as a noble and necessary work, not to be
abandoned due to emotional dryness, and assures that the Holy Spirit
will eventually renew and refresh our prayers. George Hodges echoes this
sentiment, urging individuals to continue in prayer even when feeling
indifferent, as the act of presenting oneself before God and engaging in
prayerful actions can lead to a deeper connection with the divine
presence.

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CONTENT
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Ye said also, Behold, what a weariness is it.

--MALACHI 1:13

My soul cleaveth unto the dust; quicken Thou me according to Thy word.

--PSALMS 119:25

Awake, thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall
give thee light.

--EPHESIANS 5:14

THERE are some who give up their prayers because they have so little
feeling in their prayers--so little warmth of feeling. But who told us
that feeling was to be a test of prayer? The work of prayer is a far too
noble and necessary work to be laid aside for any lack of feeling. Press
on, you who are dry and cold in your prayers, press on as a work and as
a duty, and the Holy Spirit will, in His good time, refresh your prayers
Himself.

--ARTHUR F. WINNINGTON INGRAM

You do not feel in the spirit of prayer; you have no spiritual uplift;
you are simply indifferent. Give that unhappy mood no heed. You know
very well what you ought to do. You ought to present yourself before
God; you ought to say your prayers. Do that, and the devout attitude,
the bended knees, the folded hands, the quiet and the silence, the lips
busied with holy words, will induce the consciousness of the divine
presence, and help you to pray in spirit and in truth.

--GEORGE HODGES

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/mary-wilder-tileston/praying-in-spite-of-yourself/
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