p. 9 | Watching unto Prayer by Wm. Covert

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Apr 20, 1916

Watching unto Prayer

By Wm. Covert

WM. COVERT

WHEN we make a request of a friend, it is with a definite aim. We do it at a definite time, and it concerns a specified thing. We remember when it was, where it was, and what it was about. We desired a certain thing, and we entered our requisition in such a way as to be reasonably sure of getting what we wanted. We went at it in a business-like way, and felt confident that our request would receive the attention its importance demanded. We did not ramble about in an uncertain way and talk at random, but we arranged the contract with reference to the thing we wanted, and we got it because we made our desires understood. This is the only proper way to do business, and business people know it.

Then why should we not transact business with the Lord, in our prayers and in all other Christian matters, with confidence and dispatch, with the same definite trust that we use in doing business with a merchant or banker? Should we not commit our prayers into the care of the Lord as fully as we commit our letters to the postman?

Our Saviour went up into heaven that he might actually be there to appear in the presence of God for us. And being there for that purpose, he says to us, “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find. For every one that asketh receiveth.” The good earthly father will not deceive his trusting child; nor will the heavenly Father disappoint the confident hopes of his trusting children.

When we pray, we should believe that we receive, and then we shall have what our instructed faith describes in the requisition.

Aurora, Ill.