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The Value of Prayer

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Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Apr 14, 1910

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 87, No. 15.

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The Value of Prayer

By Francis M. Wilcox

PRAYER is the connecting-link between us and God. It is the means whereby we place ourselves in union with divine power. Prayer consists of two elements, thanksgiving and petition. It is indeed appropriate that we should remember with gratitude the numberless mercies which God continually bestows upon us. The remembrance of the Lord’s dealings with us, and consequent gratitude on our part, inspire hope and faith that God will grant the petitions which we desire of him. We need to cultivate more of the spirit of praise. We need to recall the benefits of yesterday. All this will help us to enter into present experiences with stronger faith in God’s power to bless.
The object of prayer is not to convince God that he should bless us. If this were so, how helpless indeed would we appear! Suppose, after all our supplications and pleadings, God refused to be persuaded? How could we change his purpose? This is not his attitude toward us. He longs to bless us, even more than we can desire his blessing. He holds out the cup of blessing to us. The purpose of prayer is to put ourselves into that relationship to him that we can receive the blessings he gives.
The time for prayer is the ever present. Christ tells us that men ought always to pray. This does not mean that we should be always on our knees in the attitude of prayer, but that our hearts should continually reach out after God, and open to receive his instruction and guidance.
The first and choicest altar of prayer is the secret place. There, with no one near to embarrass, with no influence to hinder, the suppliant can make bare his soul before his Maker. He can confess to him his most secret sins, the wrong motives that possess his heart, and enter into that sweet communion which one enjoys when he meets his dearest friend face to face.
A precious place of prayer is the family circle, where those of the same household can meet together and unitedly present their petitions to their common Father. Unfortunate indeed is the one whose family experience is such that he can not enjoy this boon. Some families are so divided in religious faith that this privilege is not possible; but still more sad are those homes which might enjoy such privileges, but through lack of interest fail to appreciate or improve them. With the children of the household father, mother, and perhaps grandfather and grandmother, gathered around the family altar, there is presented a scene like unto heaven itself.
In the perfection of Christian experience public prayer likewise has its place. Taking part in this exercise at the prayer-meeting or church service brings strength to the participant, and imparts strength to his associates. Through it experience is gained for broader service for God.
Every disciple of the Lord Jesus should have stated periods for seeking the Lord. In every home the family altar should be erected. The psalmist tells us he sought the Lord morning, noon, and night, and Daniel prayed regularly three times a day. If this was necessary for these men of God, surely we need to seek divine help as often in our experience. The men and women of power in this world have been the men and women of prayer, and our advancement in spiritual life, and our hold upon God, will be in direct proportion as we by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, consecrate ourselves to his service. F. M. W.