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ADMONITIONS TO PRAYER

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International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Aug 18, 1887

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 13, No. 32.

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ADMONITIONS TO PRAYER.

(Sabbath, August 27.)
1. WHAT seems to be the essential element of prayer?—The yearning of the heart for God.
2. What did David say, when filled with this yearning?
"As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God." Ps. 42:1.
3. How does he express this feeling in Ps. 63:1?
"O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee; my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is."
4. What does this yearning lead him to do?
"Thus will I bless thee while I live; I will lift up my hands in thy name." Verse 4.
5. How does Job express the same strong desire?
"Oh that I knew where I might find him! that I might come even to his seat!" Job 23:3.
6. For what purpose does he desire to come so near to God?
"I would order my cause before him, and fill my mouth with arguments." Verse 4.
7. How does he express a desire to know the will of God concerning him?
"I would know the words which he would answer me, and understand what he would say unto me." Verse 5.
8. By what words does the prophet Hosea give a sweet invitation to prayer?—"Take with you words, and turn to the Lord." Hosea 14:2.
9. How is the invitation repeated through the apostle Paul?—"In everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God." Phil. 4:6.
10. How general is this invitation?—"I will therefore that men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting." 1 Tim. 2:8.
11. How are we warned against putting off the work of seeking God by prayer?—"Seek ye the Lord while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near." Isa. 55:6.
12. What danger is implied in this scripture?—That the time may come when our prayers will not be heard. Prov. 1:28.
13. When David had brought up the ark from the house of Obed-edom, how did he admonish the people to pray?—"Give thanks unto the Lord, call upon his name." 1 Chron. 16:8.
14. How did he exhort to faithfulness and constancy in this exercise?—"Seek the Lord and his strength, seek his face continually." Verse 11.
15. How is the same thing urged through the apostle Paul?—"Continue in prayer" (Col. 4:2); "Pray without ceasing" (1 Thess. 5:17).
16. To what end did our Lord give a parable on one occasion?
"And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint." Luke 18:1.
17. Relate the parable.
"Saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man; and there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary. And he would not for a while; but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man, yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me." Verses 2-5.
18. What lesson may be learned from this?—That if the unjust judge would yield to the importunity of one whom he did not love, the compassionate Father of all will answer the prayers of his children, though for their good the answer may be delayed.
19. Against what is prayer recommended as a safeguard?—Against falling under temptation. Matt. 26:41.
20. How did the Saviour especially enforce this thought during the hour of trial just before he was betrayed?
"And said unto them, Why sleep ye? rise and pray, lest ye enter into temptation." Luke 22:46.
21. What strong motive to prayer is urged by our Saviour upon those who are to witness the signs of the last days?
"Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man." Luke 21:36.
22. What admonition does he give to those who shall see heaven and earth pass away?
"Take ye heed, watch and pray; for ye know not when the time is." Mark 13:33.
23. Since the end of all things is at hand, what exhortation is especially applicable to us?
"But the end of all things is at hand; be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer." 1 Pet. 4:7.
24. Upon whom is the wrath of God to be finally poured out?—Upon the families that call not upon the name of the Lord. Jer. 10:25.