Ryle closes Part 4: Special Rules for Young Men by focusing on prayer, “For another ting, resolve that wherever you are, you will pray.”

Ryle was concerned for those who claimed to be Christians but did not pray. For Ryle, it was an oddity that someone would think themselves a Christians and not regularly find themselves talking with God. He said, “The feeling that we must cry to God for mercy and peace is a mark of grace; and the habit of spreading before him our soul’s wants is an evidence that we have the spirit of adoption.”

He observed that few among him prayed. Prayer was not something the young men he knew practiced. Ryle makes a controversial statement when he says, “Young men, believe me, if your soul is to be saved, you must pray.” Obviously Ryle is not suggesting a salvation by works! He’s merely stating that a result of salvation will be that the saved prays. Pray is not a condition for salvation, it is a result of salvation.

Ryle offers encouragement and exhortation when he challenges his young readers, “It is only in the strength of this [prayer] that you will get onward towards the mount of God.”

- Who are some of the biblical characters Ryle points to who had a vibrant prayer life?

- How does Ryle say someone will resist the world, the flesh, and the devil (1 John 2:16)?

- Ryle uses an illustration of the needle-grinders in Sheffield. How do they protect themselves from the fine dust that threatens their breathing? How does Ryle say prayer protects us?

- Do you find it hard to pray? If so, why? Is it that you don’t know what to say? If you find it difficult to pray, consider reading this book by Dr. Don Whitney. It is a wonderful resource on praying Scripture.

The Banner of Truth Trust

Intro created and performed by Isaac Johnson

Outro compliments of Sovereign Grace Music