"At the beginning of thy supplications the commandment came forth." --- Daniel 9:23.
"Continuing instant in prayer." --- Romans 12:12.
Oh comfortable and encouraging thought, that in the same moment that the supplication ascended from the prophet's heart, the gracious answer descended from Jesus. When we call upon the name of the Lord with simplicity and holy earnestness of soul, the return of grace and love meets our request before it hath ascended half way to heaven; and when the Lord is going to bless us, he pours out a spirit of prayer, and raises a cry in our hearts after that blessing he is going to communicate.
Therefore, when we are enabled to pray earnestly, we may be sure that blessings are coming, and that we cetainly shall receive, in due time, a seaonable and visible help. Then let us only go on, and put, as it were, one weight of prayers after another on the scales of the sanctuary: surely, our greatest distress will at last be over-balanced, and salvation brought down. But it is well to be observed, that we must also be watchful, and not act contrary to the intent of our prayers, which might provoke the Lord to disannul his grant, or at least to delay his help. But when he tarries long, it is not his intention to give us a denial, but rather make us more desirous and earnest, that he may bestow the more upon us afterwards; for this delay he will certainly well recompense, and grant us abundantly above all that we could ask or think.
Lord, I will not let thee go
Till the blessing thou bestow:
Hear my Advocate Divine;
Lo! to his my suit I join;
Join'd to his it cannot fail;
Jesus' suing must prevail.
Friend of sinners, King of saints,
Answer my minutest wants,
All my largest thoughts require;
Grant me all my hearts desire;
Give me till my cup run o'er;
Then my heart can hold no more.