Reuben Archer Torrey (1856 – 1928) was an American evangelist and pastor. In 1915 he founded the Church of the Open Door in Los Angeles (later pastored by J. Vernon McGee). Torrey was the most famous editor of the 12-volume series, "The Fundamentals," a defense of Christianity against modernism. We'll be sharing some excerpts from his book, "How to Pray."
3. The third reason for this constant, persistent, sleepless, overcoming prayer is that THOSE MEN WHOM GOD SET FORTH AS A PATTERN OF WHAT HE EXPECTED CHRISTIANS TO BE—THE APOSTLES—REGARDED PRAYER AS THE MOST IMPORTANT BUSINESS OF THEIR LIVES.
When the multiplying responsibilities of the early church crowded in upon them, they “called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the Word of God, and serve tables. Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. But WE WILL GIVE OURSELVES CONTINUALLY TO PRAYER and to the ministry of the Word.” It is evident from what Paul wrote to the churches and to individuals about praying for them, that very much of his time and strength and thought was given to prayer. (Rom. 1:9; Ephesians 1:15,16; Colossians 1:9; 1 Thessalonians 3:10; 2 Tim. 1:3)
All the mighty men of God outside the Bible have been men of prayer. They have differed from one another in many things, but in this they have been alike.
