1288. For What Should We Pray?

For What Should We Pray?

"Then saith He unto His disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the laborers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that He will send forth labourers into His harvest" (Mat_9:37-38).

There are so many avenues for prayer, that it would take books to consider them all.

Every mother finds need for prayer in the many intricate problems that arise in the home life. When there is friction between husband and wife, as there is so frequently today, judging by the divorce records, there is need for prayer. When business prospers and when business fails there is need for prayer. The many wolves now going about in sheep's clothing, present a strong call for prayer. Every step in the church's march, demands prayer. The missionary, the pastor, the individual member are all themes for prayer.

The best we can do is to consider a few "prayer specials" set forth in the Word.

1. We should pray for laborers to be thrust forth (see Mat_9:38).

2. We should pray for cleansing that we may be fit to become laborers (see Isa_6:5-8).

3. We should pray about our journeyings for the Lord (see Rom_1:10).

4. We should pray for wisdom (see Jam_1:5). Solomon was greatly blessed of God because he prayed this prayer.

5. We should pray for knowledge of Him (see Eph_1:16-23).

6. We should pray that we may comprehend God's love (see Eph_3:13-21).

7. We should pray for bodily health (see 3Jn_1:2).

8. We should pray for the sick (see Jam_5:14-18).

9. We should pray for our preacher and that the Word of God may run and be glorified (see 2Th_3:1).

10. We should pray for the peace of Jerusalem (see Psa_122:7).

The above are some of the many commanded prayers and the things for which saints did pray. Surely with these before us, we should not find it at all difficult to fill in a large prayer life, if we really want to pray.

"What a Friend we have in Jesus,

All our sins and griefs to bear!

What a privilege to carry

Everything to God in prayer!

O what peace we often forfeit,

O what needless pain we bear,

All because we do not carry,

Everything to God in prayer!

"Have we trials and temptations?

Is there trouble anywhere?

We should never be discouraged,

Take it to the Lord in prayer.

Can we find a friend so faithful,

Who will all our sorrows share?

Jesus knows our every weakness,

Take it to the Lord in prayer.

"Are we weak and heavy laden,

Cumbered with a load of care?–

Precious Saviour, still our refuge,–

Take it to the Lord in prayer.

Do thy friends despise, forsake thee?

Take it to the Lord in prayer,

In His arms He'll take and shield thee,

Thou wilt find a solace there."

Autor: R.E. NEIGHBOUR