Secret Prayer
To know Jesus is life's highest attainment, and every Christian should strive to be 'on the same old terms' with Him through secret prayer and devotional Bible study.
Charles E. Cowman emphasizes the importance of cultivating a deep, personal relationship with Jesus Christ, as seen in the story of an old German professor who maintained a close friendship with the Lord through secret prayer and devoted Bible study. The professor's simple yet profound statement, 'Well, Lord Jesus, we're on the same old terms,' reflects a deep intimacy and familiarity with Christ that every believer should strive for. This intimacy with Jesus is achieved through persistent prayer, a sympathetic study of the Bible, and a continual pursuit of His presence in our lives.
Text
"I have called you friends" (John 15:15).
Years ago there was an old German professor whose beautiful life was a marvel to his students. Some of them resolved to know the secret of it; so one of their number hid in the study where the old professor spent his evenings.
It was late when the teacher came in. He was very tired, but he sat down and spent an hour with his Bible. Then he bowed his head in secret prayer; and finally closing the Book of books, he said,
"Well, Lord Jesus, we're on the same old terms."
To know Him is life's highest attainment; and at all costs, every Christian should strive to be "on the same old terms with Him."
The reality of Jesus comes as a result of secret prayer, and a personal study of the Bible that is devotional and sympathetic. Christ becomes more real to the one who persists in the cultivation of His presence.
Speak thou to Him for He heareth,
And spirit with spirit will meet!
Nearer is He than breathing,
Nearer than hands and feet.
--Maltbie D. Babcock
Sermon Outline
- I. The Privilege of Being Called Friends
- A. Jesus' statement in John 15:15
- B. The significance of being called friends
- II. The Secret of a Beautiful Life
- A. The German professor's example
- B. The importance of secret prayer
- III. The Reality of Jesus
- A. Result of secret prayer and Bible study
- B. Christ becomes more real through persistence
- IV. The Invitation to Draw Near
- A. The promise of God's presence
- B. The encouragement to speak to Him
Key Quotes
“Well, Lord Jesus, we're on the same old terms.” — Charles E. Cowman
“Speak thou to Him for He heareth, And spirit with spirit will meet!” — Charles E. Cowman
“Nearer is He than breathing, Nearer than hands and feet.” — Charles E. Cowman
Application Points
- Make secret prayer a regular part of your daily routine to draw near to God and experience His presence.
- Prioritize devotional Bible study to cultivate a deeper understanding of God's Word and His presence in your life.
- Strive to maintain an intimate relationship with Jesus through persistent prayer and Bible study.