friend we cannot pass by without calling on, and we never lack
to asking, What profit shall we have if we pray unto him? The result is that they say to the Almighty, Depart from us. And so their doom is sealed.
But I hope for better things from you, my brethren. I trust that you are not among those who cast off fear and restrain prayer before God. Surely you all recognise that the Almighty can do great things for you, and that there is much benefit in praying to Him. Therefore, resolve to draw near to God, that He may draw near to you.
We have something to say to God every day.
1. As to a friend we love and have freedom with. Such a friend we cannot pass by without calling on, and we never lack something to say to, even if we have no particular business with him. To such a friend, we unburden ourselves, express our love and esteem, and gladly share our thoughts. Abraham is called the friend of God, and this honour belongs to all the saints. I have not called you servants (says Christ), but friends. His secret is with the righteous. We are invited to acquaint ourselves with Him and to walk with Him as one friend walks with another. The fellowship of believers is said to be with the Father and with His Son, Jesus Christ. And do we then have nothing to say to Him?
Is it not reason enough to approach the throne of His grace to admire His infinite perfections, which we can never fully comprehend but can never sufficiently contemplate, and in which we find our delight? To take pleasure in beholding the beauty of the Lord and giving Him the glory due to His name? Do we not have much to say to Him in acknowledging His condescending grace and favour in revealing Himself to us, and not to the world, and in professing our love and