Fri.-Sabbath, 12/6-8/19 Devotion

Yes! Sunday is almost here. Here is Thomas Watson, from "All Things for Good," or, "A Divine Cordial":

"The word preached works for good. It is a savor of life. It is a soul-transform-ing word. It assimilates the heart into Christ’s likeness. It produces assurance. 'Our gospel came to you not in word only, but in power, and in the Holy Spirit, and in much assurance,' (1 Thess. 1:5). It is the chariot of salvation.

"Prayer works for good. Prayer is the bellows of the affections; it blows up holy desires and ardors of soul. Prayer has power with God. It is a key that unlocks the treasury of God’s mercy. Prayer keeps the heart open to God, and shut to sin. . . . It was Luther’s counsel to a friend, when he perceived a temptation begin to arise, to go to God in prayer. Prayer is the Christian’s gun, which he discharges against his enemies. Prayer is the sovereign medi-cine of the soul. Prayer sanctifies every mercy (1 Tim. 4:5). It is the dispeller of sorrow. By venting grief it eases the heart. When Hannah had prayed, 'She went away, and was no more sad,' (1 Sam. 1:18). And if it has these rare ef-fects, then it works for good."