The Word and Prayer

The means of sanctification may be comprehended under two general heads: the Word of God and prayer. The first is the food which is provided for the nourishment of the soul and by which it lives. Christ himself is indeed the bread of life — the manna that came down from heaven; but it is only in the Word, that we can find Christ; there He is revealed — there His dignity and glory are manifested — there we behold His holy life, miracles, sufferings, death, resurrection, ascension, and intercession. The whole object of faith, love, and hope is found in the Word of God. Therefore, it is by the assiduous study of the Word, and meditation on its truths, that we are to expect an increase of faith and a real growth in grace.

The other principal means of growth is prayer; especially, prayer for the influences of the Holy Spirit. Without the Spirit, as we have seen, there can be no progress; but this sum of blessings is graciously promised in answer to prayer. And these two means are harmonious; for the Word is the "sword of the Spirit" (Eph. 6:17). The Spirit operates only by the Word. Therefore, though we read that sanctification is of the Spirit, we also read that effectual prayer of Jesus Christ, "Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth" (John 17:17).

Archibald Alexander,
A Brief Compendium of Bible Truth
(Reformation Heritage Books), p. 144–145.

Recommended:
Prayer and Revelation