0386. PRAYER, A NECESSITY AND PRIVILEGE.

PRAYER, A NECESSITY AND PRIVILEGE.

"He spoke unto them, saying, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint" (Luk_18:1).

Our Lord first gives the precept, then follows the example. There are five examples of prayer in this chapter: (1) A praying widow (Luk_24:3), (2) a praying Pharisee (Luk_24:10), (3) a praying publican (Luk_24:13), (4) a praying ruler (Luk_24:18), (5) a praying beggar (Luk_24:38). All men ought to pray.

I. MEN ought to Pray. It has been said that man is the only animal that can look up. Alas! that so many should play the man with the muck-rake described in Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress. Man, made in the image of the God of Heaven, should look up. When Nebuchadnezzar looked up his understanding returned (Dan_4:34).

II. Men OUGHT to Pray. Some sneer at the efficacy of prayer, and talk about the unchangeableness of God. As if the unchangeable God could not ordain the means as well as the end. Man ought; this allows for the free action of his will. He ought; but he may not or will not, yet his responsibility remains.

III. Men ought ALWAYS to Pray. To pray about everything, and to be thankful for anything (Php_4:6). "In everything by prayer and supplication," etc. Regard the things which would distract as the bark of a dog, for they are sure to be the howlings of the flesh. This reaches to every extremity and detail of our daily and humdrum life. We need God’s counsel and strength, even when we don’t think it, or are at least unconscious of our need.

IV. Men Ought always to PRAY. The Greek word is "wish for." Men ought always to desire and ask. Praying without desiring is mockery. To be always wishing does not mean always begging, but a speaking to God, as a Father, and as one who delights in His fellowship. It is a life of walking and talking with God. It is not a task to those who have the Spirit of prayer. It is their very breath of life.

V. Men Ought always to Pray and NOT TO FAINT. These are the words of Him who will avenge His elect who cry day and night unto Him. He knows that importunity will not go unrewarded. Abraham fainted when he ceased pleading for Sodom. Joash also stopped too soon, and fell short of the full blessing (2Ki_13:19). Paul’s importunity prevailed, although the thorn was not taken away. The causes of fainting are usually doubt and delay. In this chapter there are great encouragements to prayer. Pray on. If you cannot pull God nearer you, you will pull yourself nearer to Him.

VI. Why Men do not Pray.

1. Because of Unbelief. They do not believe God, and show by their practical infidelity that Jesus Christ has no place in their lives.

2. Because of Self-Confidence. They have such great thoughts about their own character and abilities that they feel not their need of seeking the help and guidance of the Lord.

3. Because of the Love of Sin. Some are so conscious that their lives are opposed to the will of God that they dare not pray unless they are prepared to make confession.

Autor: James Smith