When the burden crushes

(Octavius Winslow, "Evening Thoughts")

Prayer is a  precious privilege to be enjoyed.
What! Is it no privilege to have a door of access
ever open to God? Is it no privilege when the
burden crushes, to cast it upon One who has
promised to sustain?

When the corruptions of an unsanctified nature
are strong, and temptations thicken—is prayer
no privilege then?

And when perplexed to know the path of duty,
and longing to walk complete in all the will of
God, and, as a child, fearing to offend a loving
Father—is it then no privilege to have a throne
of grace, an open door of hope?

When the world is slowly stealing upon the heart;
or when that heart is wounded through the
unkindness of friends; or is bleeding under severe
bereavement—is it then no privilege to go and tell
Jesus?

Say, you poor, you needy, you tried, you tempted
souls! Say, if prayer is not the most precious and
splendid privilege this side heaven!

Cease to pray, and . . .
  your grace withers,
  your vigor decays,
  your comfort dies.
"Let us therefore draw near with boldness to the
 throne of grace, that we may receive mercy, and
 may find grace for help in time of need." Heb. 4:16