Prayer is the forerunner of mercy.

'Prayer is the forerunner of mercy. Turn to sacred history, and you will find that scarcely ever did a great mercy come to this world unheraldled by supplication. You have found this true in your own experience. God has given you many an unsolicited favor, but still great prayer has always been the prelude of great mercy with you. When you found peace through the blood of the cross, you had been praying much, and earnestly interceding with God that He would remove your doubts, and deliver you from your distresses. Your assurance was the result of prayer. When at any time you have had high and rapturous joys, you have been obliged to look upon them as answers to your prayers. When you have had great deliverances out of sore troubles, and mighty helps in great dangers, you have been able to say, "I sought the Lord , and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears." Prayer is always the preface of blessing.' Charles H. Spurgeon