A Man on His Knees

We turn today to a sentence which says: “There is no limit to the reach and power of prayer.” Not only is there no limit, but in some situations there is no substitute—as many have come to know, among them Abraham Lincoln, who spoke at various times of his dependence on Divine Providence: “For the ability to perform.. I must trust in that Supreme Being…” he said. “…I went to my room and got down on my knees in prayer. Never before had I prayed with so much earnestness. I wish I could repeat my prayer. I felt that I must put all my trust in Almighty God. He gave our people the best country ever given to men. He alone could save it from destruction…I prayed that He would not let the nation perish…I felt that my prayer was answered…I had no misgivings about the result…” “I have always taken counsel of Him, and have never adopted a course… without being assured, as far as I could be, of His approbation.” “I have been driven many times to my knees, by the overwhelming conviction that I had nowhere else to go. My own wisdom and that of all about me seemed insufficient…” “…if we do not do right, God will let us go our way to our ruin; if we do right, He will lead us safely out of this wilderness…” “The ways of God are mysterious and profound and there is nothing left but for the heart of man to believe and trust where it cannot reason.” “…we cannot but believe that He who made the world still governs it.” “…I now leave, not knowing when or whether ever I may return, with a task before me greater than that which rested upon Washington. Without the assistance of the Divine Being, who ever attended him, I cannot succeed. With that assistance I cannot fail…To His care commending you, as I hope in your prayers you will commend me, I bid you an affectionate farewell.” Thus spoke Abraham Lincoln, as he poured out his heart to the God and Father of us all, in his earnest need and acknowledgment.