It is an indisputable fact that all of God's
children pray. Prayer is the breath of a new born soul. But what is prayer?
Prayer is much more than merely asking and receiving. It is much more than
simply saying our daily prayers at the appointed times. Prayer is the
submissive, believing heart worshipping God and seeking his will. If ever we
really pray, I think there are certain things which will characterize our
prayers.
1. All true prayer is the
request of faith, relying on the promise of God.
2. All true prayer is offered in
the name of Christ, trusting the merits of his righteousness and shed blood for
its acceptance with God.
3. All true prayer is offered in
the name of our Redeemer, and seeks only those things that are for the glory of
Christ. Brethren, we must learn to subject all things to the glory of Christ.
4. And you may be sure that if
ever we do truly pray, our prayer will be according to
the will of God.
In prayer we seek the
gracious guidance of the Holy Spirit to show us the mind and will of God. Then,
in faith, we ask our Father to do his will. I can have what I will, if my will
is lost in his will and one with his will. Is this not what James tells us?
"Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it
upon your lust." (James 4:3)
Let us ask our Lord, as his disciples of old,
"Lord, teach us to pray." And, "This is the confidence that we
have in him, that, if we ask anything according to his will, he heareth
us." (I John 5:14)