p. 83 | E. O. HAMMOND by E. O. Hammond

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Feb 25, 1873

E. O. HAMMOND

By E. O. Hammond

Prayer.

WE do not appreciate as we ought the privilege we have of coming into the presence of the great God to commune with him, with the assurance that we shall find audience before him if we come in his appointed way. “The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry.” Ps. 34:15. We need daily supplies of food to sustain our physical natures. On the other hand, we must have spiritual food, else we die spiritually. And if we ask, our Saviour says we shall receive. James adds, “Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.” God, in mercy, sometimes withholds the things we ask for, knowing they would not be blessings to us. We should always possess a submissive spirit, ready to say, “Not my will, but thine be done.” David, the sweet psalmist of Israel, was not content with praying once, nor twice, each day. Said he, “Evening and morning and at noon, will I pray and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice.” Ps. 55:17.

Daniel, the man “greatly beloved,” although at the head of the affairs of the great kingdom of Babylon, found time to retire to his chamber and make his petition three times a day.

How beautiful to see the father gather his family around him and offer the morning and evening sacrifice; and how appropriate, for his companion and children to unite their voices with his in prayer and praise. It is a scene angels love to witness; and on “wings of light” they bear the petitions of God’s children to the court of Heaven, where they are carefully preserved.

The revelator, while wrapped in heavenly vision, saw an angel having a golden vial full of odors, which were the prayers of the saints. Courage, then, ye desponding disciples of Jesus! Think not, because your prayers are not immediately answered, that Heaven does not notice you. Our Saviour, at first, turned a deaf ear to the petition of the Syrophenician woman, only to try her faith. Matt. 15. “Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” 1 Thess. 5:17, 18.