Hear my cry, O LORD God!

"My voice shalt Thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto Thee, and will look up." -Psalm 5:3 [KJV]

In the Lord we all live, move, and have our being; therefore it
is the indispensable duty of all men to call upon the name of
the Lord in prayer. But what is a duty from nature and
reason, is esteemed a rich privilege, an inestimable blessing,
by the children of grace. The pouring-out of the Spirit of
grace and supplication, is one of those spiritual blessings
wherewith they are blessed in Christ Jesus. In the exercise of
this, saints in all ages have experienced sweet fellowship and
communion with God, and have been indulged with many
mercies which they sought for from Him. "And this is the
confidence that we have in Jesus, that if we ask ANY THING according to His will, He heareth us."—1 John 5:14.
 

This duty seems to be the first employ of David's heart. He
began the day in prayer: as soon as his eyes were favored
with the morning light, he directed them to look up unto the
Lord: after his tongue had been locked up in silent sleep, the
first sound of his voice breaks forth in address to his God.
Why is this holy man's practice recorded? Doubtless it was
written for our instruction; to remind us that it is sweet to
begin the day with God. Better to go from a throne of grace
into the business of life, than after worldly concerns have
intruded on our minds. Wisest to seek and serve our best
Friend first. But is not this an affecting truth? 

Though a throne of grace is ever accessible; though believers are always acceptable thereto in Christ; though we have the greatest encouragements to draw nigh to God; though we have so many strong corruptions, powerful lusts, and sinful passions, ever ready to break out, yet that we should be so often beset
with backwardness to prayer! May we not justly charge many
of the slips and miscarriages, sins and failings, the breakings
forth of our unholy tempers, to the neglect of this duty? How
carefully oughtest thou, O soul, to begin the day with seeking
the power of the spirit to enable thee to mortify thy sins, and
to live unto God. Thou complainest of deadness and
barrenness of soul; who can enliven and make thee fruitful
but the dear Lord whom thou neglectest to cry unto? If thine
outward walk is a reproach unto thee, if the peace of thy
mind is frequently ruffled and disturbed through want of
peace and power from Jesus, doth not thy closet testify
against thee, as too much neglected? May not this accusation
be justly charged upon us? "Ye have not, because ye ask
not."—James 4:2. But our beloved invites; his command is for our blessing. "Ask and ye shall receive, that your joy may befull."—John 16:24. 

William Mason (1724-1797 A.D.)