Old Paths In Portrait

Mark 9:29

“I have told you, my brethren, that there is a blight shed over us by Satan; that the Prince of the power of the air has infected the very atmosphere with is oppressive influence. But I would also tell you, that above and beyond this unbelieving atmosphere, there is a cloud which God has hung above this land of ours, and which in mercy He still keeps suspended there, full of genial showers. It is to draw down the riches of the cloud that we call you to prayer and fasting. And shall I tell you, that there is such a glorious cloud floating above you, and shall you not be anxious to draw down upon ourselves the plenteous showers of heaven, that ‘the parched ground may become a pool, and the thirsty land springs of water’? Impossible! You must surely be desirous of blessings so rich and plenteous. Let then your prayer and fasting come up before God, like the prayer of Elijah upon Mount Carmel, even until seven times, and be assured there shall come an abundant rain. The showers of heaven shall descend upon us,-upon our church, upon our nation, upon our parish, upon our schools, upon our families! Is this not worth the praying for, even though our faith should be tried for many a weary day and hour? ‘Oh, it is already (to use the language of another) as if heaven had begun to close upon us. How sparingly does the dew fall. How few arise from the dead; and how long is it since plenteous shower of heavenly rain has refreshed us? My friends, what is the cause of this? Has an Elijah stood forth in the midst of us with his word, ‘As the Lord liveth, there shall not be dew nor rain three years’? Or does Elijah sleep, forgetting to reopen what was shut up? Church of God, thou little flock of Israel, thou people of His possession, thou art as Elijah! Yes, thy voice can call forth clouds of rain. Arise and call upon thy God.”

-Horatius Bonar  Scottish Minister  1808–1889