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For What Should We Pray?

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Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Nov 14, 1912

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 89, No. 46.

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For What Should We Pray?

Lesson for the Children—No. 3

For What Should We Pray?

MEMORY TEXT: “Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.” James 4:3.
Ask the children what they would pray for if Jesus were in the meeting today, and they could ask for whatever they wanted. Let them name some of the things they desire most. Teach them that even prayer may be selfish. We should ask for good things for others as well as ourselves.
Show a large key, and ask why we use keys. Things worth most are locked up. Speak of strong boxes and safes, with their wonderful keys. Then teach them this statement: “Prayer is the key in the hand of faith to unlock heaven’s storehouse.”—“Steps to Christ,” page 108.
If you can, have a drawing made of a large key labeled PRAYER held by a hand marked FAITH, and near by have a building with the word STOREHOUSE over the door.
Sometimes in trying to unlock a door, we are unsuccessful. Perhaps we do not use the key right, or it may not be the right key, or it may be that the hand is not strong enough or skilful enough to use the key. There is plenty of all we need in God’s storehouse. How can we open it? We must ask God to help us use the key right.
Sometimes something gets into a lock so the key can not be used. So with the prayer-key; sometimes it does not bring us the things we need, because—
  1. We do not feel our need.
  2. We do not hate sin.
  3. We do not pray enough.
  4. We lack faith.
  5. We do not forgive.
  6. We are not diligent and persevering.
When we believe we shall receive the things we ask of God, the same as a man expects to get gold when he goes to a bank and hands the teller a little piece of paper, then we shall have the things we ask of God.
The children may be given opportunity to tell why their prayers have not been more effectual.
This day all may unite in asking for more faith, that they may receive the things for which they pray.