more on prayer

"It is as much a part of [God's children's] new nature to pray, as it is of a child to cry."

In the Bible, a godly man is often referred to one who "calls on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ," whereas the wicked "call not upon the name of the Lord."

Ryle also points out that one can preach for vain reasons, one can serve for selfish reasons, but one does not usually go to his closet for long period of time for agonizing prayer unless truly prompted by God's work in Him.

"For it is God who is at work in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure."

One more thing- one can have good intentions, but Ryle says that ungodly man's intention float away and last no longer than the morning cloud. Ouch. We cannot boast of our intentions, can we?