The disciples of Jesus did not ask the Lord, "Teach us to preach" or "Teach us to sing," but they asked for what was most important: "Lord, teach us to pray" (Lk. 11:1).

I would a hundred times rather be a great pray-er than a great preacher. I would far rather have the power of prayer to move the very powers of heaven than to have the power of preaching to move the masses of people on earth. We can train others to become great preachers and orators, but only Jesus can teach men and women to become great masters of prayer. More is accomplished by prayer than has ever been or will be accomplished by all the preaching in the world, for without prayer even our preaching becomes powerless and empty.

Prayer is everybody's privilege. The gift of prayer is offered to all, and all of us may call upon the power of our almighty God.

Not all of us are called to be pastors or preachers or teachers or evangelists or exhorters. God gives to everyone a gift and a task, according to his ability. But no such restrictions are placed on the art of prayer. This gift is for all. Jesus said, "Men always ought to pray and not lose heart" (Lk. 18:1).  — M.R. De Haan