PRAY ALWAYS by JOHN MATTESON

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jul 21, 1868

PRAY ALWAYS.

By JOHN MATTESON

We are often told in the Bible that we must pray without ceasing, which is expressed in different terms all meaning the same thing. What the true meaning of this is, is beautifully illustrated in the parable of our Saviour, Luke xviii, 1-5. The law is in the hands of an ungodly judge. Evil men have greatly injured a widow in that city. She is in distress, and calls earnestly upon the judge to help her. But he would not for awhile. Yet by her continual coming she wearied him. At last he is tired, and grants to her the desired help.

Question: How did she continue to come? The reading, compared with facts, seems to carry the idea that she went to that judge many times. The court is open. The judge is there. She steps boldly into the hall. She pleads with the greatest fervor. But that hard heart is unmoved. Soon the hour for court is past. She must leave. No more chance to plead now. The doors are shut. With a heavy heart she goes home.

After a while, the court is open again. And who steps in first but the same poor widow? “Judge, give ear. Avenge me of mine adversary.” “Widow, go home! I will have nothing to do with your case.” Mournfully she goes to her home again. But day after day, as the doors of the courthouse are opened, the widow is there—unwearied—as much in earnest as ever. Yea, with still greater anxiety and earnestness her solemn appeals ring in the ears of the judge. Neither is there any uncertainty as to what she wants. It is always one and the same thing. “Avenge me of mine adversary.” At last she has conquered. Her request is granted.

Now, how did she continue to come? She came whenever there was an opportunity. She improved every chance. Thus, likewise, should we continue “always to pray, and not to faint.” That is, we should improve every opportunity that we can find. Here is a time and place for secret prayer. The Spirit whispers, Come. Improve your time. Now comes family worship. Can you not find time again? Jesus is waiting to hear you. Some say, Yea, I can find time. But some children say, “No. Pa always prays so lengthy, and then there is no time left for us.” Well ask your pa kindly, Please give me also two minutes for prayer. And then you, like the widow, can plead for life, life, eternal life through Jesus. Fathers, divide with your family the precious privilege of praying always. It does not look well for one man to eat up all the victuals at the table and the rest go hungry, even if there were no more food than he needed. Is it not likewise better to divide what little time you have for family prayer with the other members, and not consume it all yourself?

But here is a prayer-meeting. Another precious opportunity for the needy soul. Brethren and sisters, come like the widow. Come continually. Be not weary. Come as often as you can. Let it be said of you, “You have done what you could. You have tried your best to remove every earthly hindering, and go where Jesus meets with his people.” Then plead. Plead for life. Be in earnest. Do n't sit and nod with your head. Shake off your stupor. Get more and more in earnest. Do n't pray for everything you can think of. Pray for the one thing needful. Then stop, and let all have a chance. The Judgment day is nearing. Jesus is coming. Watch and pray. Pray in earnest. Pray always. Faint not. Soon the crown of glory will be thine to enjoy forever.

JOHN MATTESON.