Charles H. Spurgeon on Psalms 53:4

It is a sin not to call upon God.

1. What is it to call upon God? Three things required in it.

(a) A drawing near to him.

(b) A speaking to him. 1Sa 1:12-13.

(c) A praying to him.

2. How should we call upon God?

(a) Reverently, considering (1) God's holiness and greatness; (2) our own sin and weakness. Ge 18:27.

(b) Understandingly. 1Co 14:15. (1) Of what we ask. (2) Of whom we ask it.

(c) Submissively.

(d) Believingly. Mr 11:24 Jas 1:6.

(e) Sincerely. Jas 4:3.

(f) Constantly. (1) So as to be always in a praying frame. (2) So as to take all occasions of pouring forth our souls in prayer to God. (3) So as to let no day slip without prayer.

3. How it appears to be a sin not to call upon God.

(a) He hath commanded it. Isa 55:6 1 Ti 2:8.

(b) Because praying is one of the principal parts of worship we owe to God.

4. Who are guilty of this sin?

(a) All who pray to any one else but God.

(b) All who neglect either public, private, or family prayer.

(c) All who pray, but not aright. William Beveridge (1636-1708), in "Thesaurus Theologicus."