Defective Prayers

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jul 1, 1875

Defective Prayers.

True prayer has power with God. It brings to the weakest Christian the aid of an omnipotent Helper, and is always answered, though often in ways quite otherwise than those anticipated or even desired. But there is a vast difference between the forms and the spirit of prayer, and many who feel that their prayers accomplish little may learn the reason in the following suggestions:—

1. Those which embody no desire. They are formal and lifeless. The soul will not be easily pacified when it has a great desire which cries out for something God alone can give.

2. Such as are not earnest. Prayer is real work for life, while yet disclaiming all personal power to secure it or merit it.

3. Such as are without faith. There are three grounds for faith in approach to God. 1. His covenant. 2. His promises. 3. His attributes. Surely upon one or the other the confidence of the petitioner may rest unshaken.

4. Such as are made in wrath. The heart which secures favor from God must love mankind. It must put away all wrath, and malice, and evil speaking. It must forgive and bless as it would be forgiven and blessed.

5. Such as are connected with a disposition to live in sin. “If I regard iniquity in my heart the Lord will not hear me.”

6. An unwillingness to do the will of God. Many a man dares not ask for the coming in of the Holy Spirit, lest it reprove him for some long-neglected duty. If we pray for light, we must accept its revelations; for strength, the duties it imposes.

7. The lack of praise to God. Thanklessness shuts God out—is a non-conductor of mercy. We do not praise God half enough.

8. Praying to be seen and heard of men. Prayers for human ears have little audience in divine ones.