THIS is another instance of the teaching that
prayer is to be offered at all times, not only by day, but also by night. For
behold, the man who sought out his friend at midnight and asked three loaves of
him and persisted in his request, was not denied his prayer. What are these
three loaves, except the food of the heavenly mystery? And if you love the Lord
your God, you will be able to obtain it, and not only for yourself, but for
others as well. For what greater friend have we than he who gave his body for
us?
FROM him David asked bread at midnight, and
received it. He asked when he said, At midnight I will rise to give thanks unto
thee. Thus, he gained those loaves which he has set before us to eat. He asked
when he said, Every night wash I my bed. Nor was he afraid of disturbing his
friend's sleep, because he knew him to be always watchful. And therefore,
mindful of the Scriptures, let us be instant in prayer day and night, and let
us ask pardon for our sins.
IF David praised God seven times a day, and was
always present at the morning and evening sacrifice, he who was so holy and so
occupied with the needs of his kingdom, what must we do, who have greater need
than he had to beseech God, since we fall so often through weakness of mind and
flesh; what must we do to avoid being starved of that bread of life, that bread
that strengthens man's heart; when we are wearied by our journey and exhausted
by worldly duties and the winding path of earthly life? The Lord teaches us to
be watchful, not only at midnight, but at practically every moment. For he
comes at evening, and at the second watch, and at the third, and is apt to
knock. Then, blessed are those servants, whom the Lord when he cometh shall
find watching.
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