PRAYER by GEO. W. PARKER

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jun 2, 1868

PRAYER

By GEO. W. PARKER

We are in a world of sin and sinners, and while it is our privilege to pray we can but feel the necessity of prayer. We are now dwelling under the last message of mercy, and how much we need the sustaining grace which is only given in answer to heartfelt prayer. There is true beauty in such prayer. It is helplessness casting itself on power, and feebleness clinging to omnipotence. It is infirmity leaning on strength, and misery wooing bliss. It is unholiness embracing purity, and hatred desiring love. It is mortal panting for immortality, and earthborns claiming kindred in Heaven. It is the thoughts which are pure soaring upward to our great High Priest in the heavenly sanctuary. It is the roving wanderer looking for an abiding place. It is the prisoner of sin mourning its fetters, and impatient to be freed. And, oh! what joy when the captives are delivered! There is a beauty such as earth has not, in the prayer of faith. With the light of the sanctuary shining bright upon us, what an inducement to the earnest disciple to commune with God in prayer. There is also power in prayer. By faith in the promises it becomes power. The treasures of grace are ever open to the draft of prayer. It is sublime to view the majesty of its power. Therefore let us pray. And since it is our only hope, it is well if we consider the privilege of prayer. We conceive the question with us, is not that of “stern duty” merely; but of privilege; not whether we “must,” but whether we “may” pray. Blessed privilege. “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest,” is a promise our Saviour has made to those who will pray.

GEO. W. PARKER.

Rochester, N. Y.