“[Jesus Christ] who gave Himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for Himself a people that are His very own, eager to do what is good.” [Titus 2:14]
There may be a certain degree of moral character and conduct independent of prayer, but there cannot be any distinctive religious character and Christian conduct without it. Prayer helps where all other aids fail. We become better people and we live purer lives through constant prayer.
The very end and purpose of the atoning work of Christ is to create religious character and practice Christian conduct.
In Christ’s teaching, it is not simply works of charity and deeds of mercy that He insists upon, but inward spiritual character. This much is demanded, and nothing short of it will be enough.
Dear God, You teach us that You do not simply require good deeds. You require an inward spiritual character which is developed by constant prayer. Amen. [The Power of Prayer]
