Morning, July 15

"The fire shall ever be burning upon the altar; it shall never
go out." – Leviticus 6:13

Keep the altar of private prayer burning. This is the very life of
all piety. The sanctuary and family altars borrow their fires here,
therefore let this burn well.

Secret devotion is the very essence, evidence, and barometer, of
vital and experimental religion.

Burn here the fat of your sacrifices. Let your closet seasons be, if
possible, regular, frequent, and undisturbed. Effectual prayer availeth
much.

Have you nothing to pray for? Let us suggest the Church, the
ministry, your own soul, your children, your relations, your neighbours,
your country, and the cause of God and truth throughout the world. Let
us examine ourselves on this important matter. Do we engage with
lukewarmness in private devotion? Is the fire of devotion burning dimly
in our hearts? Do the chariot wheels drag heavily? If so, let us be
alarmed at this sign of decay.

Let us go with weeping, and ask for the Spirit of grace and of
supplications. Let us set apart special seasons for extraordinary
prayer. For if this fire should be smothered beneath the ashes of a
worldly conformity, it will dim the fire on the family altar, and lessen
our influence both in the Church and in the world.

The text will also apply to the altar of the heart. This is a golden
altar indeed. God loves to see the hearts of his people glowing towards
himself.

Let us give to God our hearts, all blazing with love, and seek his
grace, that the fire may never be quenched; for it will not burn if the
Lord does not keep it burning. Many foes will attempt to extinguish it;
but if the unseen hand behind the wall pour thereon the sacred oil, it
will blaze higher and higher. Let us use texts of Scripture as fuel for
our heart’s fire, they are live coals; let us attend sermons, but above
all, let us be much alone with Jesus.

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