A child knocks at the father's door with boldness and perseverance,
and, knowing the rights of a child, takes no denial. Thus should
it be with the children of God, who, through Christ's atonement,
have liberty of access to the Father.
Every child of God prays, but not all know what it is to _labour_
in prayer. (Col. 4:12.)
Much prayer for the ungodly is a sign of a thriving soul. Christ
prayed for His enemies, "Father, forgive them; for they know
not what they do" (Luke 23:34). Paul prayed for the Jews; his
"heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel was, that they might
be saved" (Rom. 10:1). God's precepts (not His decrees) are the
rule for our prayers. He would have us pray for all men. (1 Tim.
2:1.)
To be sustained in faith under long delay of the answer to prayer,
is itself an answer to prayer beyond price. (Matt. 15:22-28.)
When we cannot pray at all, then is it high time to pray. We
honour God by fighting with inward difficulties, and show our
faith in the intercession of the Lord Jesus by bringing our coldness
of spirit to the great High Priest.
True boldness in prayer is not to be judged by good words, but
by this test: How far is the will of the flesh trodden under
foot, and God's will the guide of the soul?
If the ear of sinners be shut to our words, let our mouth be
opened at the Mercy-seat in their behalf.
The children of God are apt to think meanly of their prayers
and holy things, and to doubt the acceptance of their offerings
because of imperfections. It is well indeed to have the humble
mind; but unbelief is not pleasing to God. The prattlings of
a child are sweeter in the Father's ear than all the best spoken
words of a bond-servant.
Elisha asked for "a hard thing" (2 Kings 2:10). So with many
of our requests; they are not things too hard for the Lord, who
delights to give liberally, and with whom nothing is impossible:
but a prepared heart is needed to receive a great spiritual blessing;
and it is by much self-denial the heart is prepared.
Christ's intercession is grounded on His atonement; and so is
the prayer of faith.
When we ask for conformity to Christ, and are not content to
be stripped and emptied, it is prayer going out of feigned lips.
(Ps. 15:1.)
God our Father can refuse His children nothing that is for their
good. Those who have acquaintance with God desire only what is
according to His will—they know their happiness lies in having
no will but His. Thus they have everything their own way: it
is their delight to please God, and what pleases God pleases
them.
The prayers recorded in Scripture say much in few words; and
the soul persuaded that "God is" cannot be wordy—takes hold
of God, and prevails.
Few are strangers to _making_ prayers, but how many, alas, are
strangers to prayer! The soul in true prayer looks at the Cross,
and says, Were it not for that Cross I should never have prayed
at all.
The prayer of the psalmist is often no more than a cry, a sigh,
a desire of the poor, the contrite soul.
It is not by our much outward work that the value of our service
will be judged in the day of the Lord. Many of the church's best
helpers are intercessors confined to their beds.
The importunate widow (Luke 18) represents the whole of God's
elect. They are a praying people and the parable teaches them
that God will prove their faith; will seem to the flesh to favour
their adversary; but that perseverance in prayer will surely
prevail.
The circumstances of every hour furnish us with errands to the
throne of grace; and we ought, in the secret of our hearts, to
be communing with God our Father all the day long, hearing His
voice, asking His guidance, or making confession, if in any of
these things we fail. As we advance in acquaintance with God
and with ourselves, we shall have more and more of the spirit
of _little children_, distrusting ourselves, and putting all
our trust in Him.
__1__ Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel
is, that they might be saved.
__1__ I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications,
prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all
men;
1 (A Psalm of David.) LORD, who shall abide in thy tabernacle?
who shall dwell in thy holy hill?