Prayer by L. A. S.

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D.C. · Dec 21, 1905

Prayer

By L. A. S.

The Lord provides us with spiritual food, but he does not force us to partake of this food. We must reach out our hands and take the food and appropriate it ourselves. “Thy words were found, and I did eat them,” says the prophet. If he had been content with merely finding the words of the Lord, he would have received no benefit. We must do our part. We must ask if we would receive.

All that we receive of spiritual blessing from the Lord, comes through prayer. The Lord has made wonderful provision for us, giving us his Word with its revelation of divine truths, and promises of great blessings for this life and the life to come, but only as we pray do we become partakers of these blessings. We can not understand the Bible, we can not have understanding of the times, or discern between good and evil, or know opportunity when it comes, unless we pray. If we have not interest enough in God’s blessings to ask for them, he would not be justified in bestowing them upon us.

Prayer is the channel of communication between the soul and God. When that channel is closed, we are cut off from the supply of that upon which our spiritual life depends. It is the constant endeavor of the enemy of souls to cut them off from God by blocking this channel of communication.

We can commune with one another by speech, face to face, by telephone, telegraph, or letter; but we can have communion with God only through prayer. We would not think of keeping up our acquaintance with a friend if we made no effort to communicate with him; and no more can we expect to maintain our relationship with God and receive spiritual benefits if we cease to communicate with him. The whole history of God’s dealings with his servants shows us that spiritual blessings come always in answer to prayer.

It is our privilege to come “boldly” unto the throne of grace. We can approach God not as we would approach men, for it is always our need that appeals to God. Let us not make the mistake of coming to him on any other ground. “For thy name’s sake, O Lord,” the prayer is given us, “pardon mine iniquity; for it is great.” The greatness of our iniquity is the reason for asking God to pardon it; the greatness of our need is the basis of our plea before him. This encouragement have we to come to him. L. A. S.