One of my favorite books on prayer is a tiny volume named “The Kneeling Christian” It is written by an unknown Christian however I strongly suspect that Andrew Murray was the author simply judging by its content and style. What a blessing and motivation to prayer this little book has been in my life. Today is 2017 we no less need prayer than when this book was first published more than a century ago. Our churches have full pews but often empty altars. We laugh and sing but who weeps with our Savior and tarries in prayer for the urgent needs all around us? The good news is that there is still a time for prayer. There is still an open door to God’s throne of grace. Jesus is listening and waiting if only we will begin to earnestly pray. This week our Iris burst into full bloom. All year I wait for that day when its petals open and give out their fragrance. In the same way God sees our life as a garden and waits for our prayers to unfold as the full expression of our faith and trust in Him!

"

 God "wondered that there was no intercessor" (Isa. lix. 16)--"none to
   interpose" (R.V., marg.). But this was in the days of long ago, before
   the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ "full of grace and truth"--before
   the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, full of grace and power, "helping
   our infirmity," "Himself making intercession for us" and in us (Rom.
   viii. 26). Yes, and before the truly amazing promises of our Savior
   regarding prayer; before men knew very much about prayer; in the days
   when sacrifices for their sins loomed larger in their eyes than
   supplication for other sinners.

   Oh, how great must be God's wonder today! For how few there are among
   us who know what prevailing prayer really is!"

 excerpt from chapter one "The Kneeling Christian author unknown