SCRIPTURE: Matthew 14:23, "And when he [Jesus] had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone."

PERSONAL ENCOURAGEMENT: Prayer invites God’s power into our lives, our families, our communities, our churches, and our countries like nothing else can. When we pray, we are openly acknowledging that God can do the things that He says He can do, and we are opening the door for Him to accomplish those things.

QUOTE: C. H. Spurgeon, "A prayerless church member is a hindrance. He is in the body like a rotting bone or a decayed tooth. Before long, since he does not contribute to the benefit of his brethren, he will become a danger and a sorrow to them. Neglect of private prayer is the locust which devours the strength of the church."

DEVOTIONAL: "HINDRANCES TO PRAYER, Part 20" from Dr. John R. Rice