On July 29, 1855, Benjamin Morgan Palmer preached a sermon to his congregation at First Presbyterian Church in Columbia, SC, on Philippians 4:6 entitled "The Antidote of Care." It had such an impact on the people of God that they asked him to publish it. The antidote of care is prayer. Palmer tells us why:
1. In prayer we are brought to a habitual and practical sense of the supreme will of a personal God.
2. Prayer leads to the contemplation of God in his Covenant relations to us, which will soften the lot otherwise rugged and difficult.
3. Prayer compels us to take an inventory of our mercies, and to balance, these against our trials.
4. Prayer imparts a tone to the spirit, girding it for the hour of trial.
5. Prayer brings us to a distinct issue with ourselves in relation to our cares.
6. In prayer we apprehend the nearness of Heaven, which is a motive to submission and patience.