p. 61 | Praying for Light by L. E. Orton

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Aug 8, 1871

Praying for Light.

By L. E. Orton

PERSONS often go to others for advice when their minds are fully decided on a certain course of action; and, if the counsel given happens to be in accordance with their ideas, they think, “That is good, sound advice. I’ll follow it!” not realizing that they are only following their own inclination. Instead of advice, they wanted approbation of their course.

In this same spirit many go to the Lord for light, with their hearts inclined to do what their judgment and conscience condemn; and unless he send an angel with a drawn sword to bar the way, as in Balaam’s case, they fancy they are doing the Lord’s will. When they awake to their mistake, they will tell you, “I prayed to the Lord for direction, and, as he did not hedge up the way, I thought it could not be very wrong.”

“But ne’er to a seductive ray Let faith be given; Nor deem the light that leads astray Is light from Heaven.”

If we are not earnest in prayer, and of a teachable mind, Satan may deceive us by appearing as an angel of light. God’s ear is ever open to the whole-hearted, importunate prayers of his children. He says, “If any lack wisdom, let him ask of God, who giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not.” But he knows, too, just how sincere our prayers are.

L. E. ORTON.

Winspear, N. Y.