0525. SOME FACTS ABOUT PRAYER, FOR MEN

SOME FACTS ABOUT PRAYER, FOR MEN

Luk_18:1.

"Men ought always to pray, and not to faint." So said the Lord of men and of salvation. Then-

I. Prayer is a real thing. It is something of intrinsic value. "He that cometh to God must believe that He is" (Heb_11:6). A man once confessed that, "Before I was converted I prayed to nobody. Now I pray to God."

II. Prayer is a simple thing. Any child can pray. It is the offering up of our desires unto God. It is asking because we feel our need, and believe that we can receive. There is no mystery in this.

III. Prayer is a desirable thing. "Men ought to pray." They ought to pray, just as they ought to work and eat. Men ought to deal fairly with God, as they ought to deal fairly with their fellowmen. It is their duty and privilege.

IV. Prayer is a manly thing. "Men ought to pray." Man is the only animal that can naturally look up. Some men live the brutish life by never looking up. Lift up your face to God, and maintain your dignity as a man.

V. Prayer is a constant thing. "Men ought always to pray." He ought to keep on praying, just as he keeps on desiring. Men ought to exercise their bodies daily to be healthy and strong; so ought they to exercise their souls toward God. Continue in work if you wish to grow rich in the world’s goods. Continue in prayer if you would grow rich in faith and grace.

VI. Prayer is a testing thing. "And not to faint." It is easy to grow weary in this well doing. Ye shall reap if ye faint not. Praying always and not fainting is the evidence of strong faith. The trial of your faith is precious.

VII. Prayer is a profitable thing. "Ask and ye shall receive." Our Lord would never have said that "Men ought always to pray" if He did not mean always to give. As a proof of this, see the little parable in Luk_18:2-7.

Autor: James Smith