Learning to Pray by William Covert

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Feb 28, 1907

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 84, No. 9.

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Learning to Pray

By William Covert

The Spirit of God—No. 7

Learning to Pray

WILLIAM COVERT

I. What request was made on a certain occasion after Jesus had been praying?

“And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.” Luke 11:1.

Doubtless the disciples had become deeply impressed by the Saviour’s prayer, and were being led into a greater concern about praying than they had formerly experienced. If so, the request they made grew out of an earnest desire to know better how to seek and find God.

2. When a favor is to be sought from the Lord, how may it be obtained?

“Ask, and it shall be given you; seek,

and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.” Matt. 7:7.

Notice that not only asking is necessary, but seeking is enjoined in order to find the object sought.

3. When is the Lord to be sought?

“Seek ye the Lord while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near.” Isa. 55:6.

4. What are the wicked to forsake, and with what encouraging result?

“Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.” Isa. 55:7.

5. How long should prayer be continued?

“Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the Lord, till he come and rain righteousness upon you.” Hosea 10:12.

6. What period of time did Daniel devote to one request?

“I ate no pleasant bread, neither came flesh nor wine in my mouth, neither did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled. . . . Then said he unto me, Fear not, Daniel: for from the first day that thou didst set thine heart to understand, and to chasten thyself before thy God, thy words were heard, and I am come for thy words. . . . Now I am come to make thee understand what shall befall thy people in the latter days: for yet the vision is for many days.” Dan. 10:3, 12, 14.

7. How constantly should prayer be made? and with what spirit should it be offered?

“Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” 1 Thess. 5:17, 18.

8. What period of preparation did the Saviour spend in communion with the Father before he chose his disciples?

“And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God. And when it was day, he called unto him his disciples: and of them he chose twelve, whom also he named apostles.” Luke 6:12, 13.

9. In what manner does the Spirit of God make intercession for us when we pray?

“Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which can not be uttered. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.” Rom. 8:16, 27.

10. What is said of the present service of Christ in the matter of our prayers?

“For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us.” Heb. 9:24.

11. What part is performed by the heavenly angels when the children of God in our world pray?

“And another angel came and stood at the altar, having a golden censer; and there was given unto him much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne.” Rev. 8:3.

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