p. 6 | HOW TO PRAY

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Jan 16, 1901

“HOW TO PRAY.”

ONE dear soul writes as follows:—

Will you please, sir, write and tell me how to pray, and what is sinning against the Holy Ghost?

Prayer is breathing forth the soul’s desire to God. A disciple came to Jesus on one occasion, and said, “Lord, teach us to pray.” And the reply of the great Teacher may be read in Luke 11:2–13; Matt. 6:9–13. The latter passage is as follows:—

“Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive [“as we have forgiven,” R.V.] our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.”

Study this little prayer. Note the confidence with which it comes to God,—“our Father.” Go to Him in just that confidence. Note the motive,—“Hallowed be Thy name.” It matters not about my reputation; but let God’s name be glorified and hallowed. Note the longing, the submission,—“Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done,” first of all in the heart of the suppliant, or we do not pray the prayer. It means that he who truly offers the prayer, wants God to set up His throne in the heart and rule in the whole life. Note the implicit trust,—“daily bread,” all our needs. Note the humble, forgiving spirit,—“as we forgive,” as we have forgiven. We see so much that needs forgiveness in us that we have forgiven all who have trespassed against us before we ask. And so on thru the prayer.

Pray thus. Ask God as you would if He were visibly before you. Take His promises in your lips, and go to Him with them. Yield all to Him. We have only our need and His promises to commend us. Plead these in simple trust. God will hear and answer.