Presumptuous Prayer by W. N. Glenn

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Nov 26, 1885

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 11, No. 45.

Presumptuous Prayer.

By W. N. Glenn

It is hardly necessary to say that prayer is commendable. There is no human being that does not need to pray. The inspired word teaches that "men ought always to pray;" to "pray everywhere;" to "pray without ceasing;" to "be instant in prayer;" to "come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need." Even the Son of God, by whom the worlds were made (Col. 1:16), when sojourning upon earth, though only "in the likeness of sinful flesh," found it necessary to pray frequently and earnestly.

But there is no exercise in which men are more likely to err than in prayer. Without the leading of the Holy Spirit, "we know not what to pray for as we ought." There is such a thing as "asking amiss," though ever so fervently, and failing to receive. Jas. 4:3. The "double-minded" or "wavering" man will not receive anything of the Lord in answer to prayer. Chap. 1:6-8. There is such a thing as praying "to be seen of men," and that being the only reward. Matt. 6:5. And there is such a thing as prayer being an abomination. Prov. 28:9. But there is a species of presumptuous prayer, quite common in these days, to which a moment's attention is here called.

We are warranted in asking wisdom of God (Jas. 1:5); but to ask special light upon duty or doctrine while refusing that already given in the Scriptures, is simply tempting the Author of wisdom, who has chosen this method of giving "instruction in righteousness." 2 Tim. 3:16. Those who are engaged in disseminating the truths of the Third Angel's Message often meet opponents who claim that they have had important questions settled in their minds through prayer, though the Scriptures may indisputably teach a directly opposite doctrine. And even some who have professedly accepted the "present truth" will find a plea for evading the plain word in the fact that protracted prayer confirms them in the way they desire to go.

That God will suffer delusion to blind those who presumptuously appeal to him for light while disregarding that already given upon the same point, and will even permit them to follow their own inclinations, is evidenced by the case of Balaam the prophet. While the Israelites were journeying toward Canaan, they pitched their tents in the plains of Moab. The Moabites were much afraid of the great multitude, especially as they had heard how the Amorites had been defeated. So they joined with the Midianites in sending messengers to Balaam, and asked him to come and curse Israel. Balaam inquired of the Lord, and received explicit directions not to go with the messengers.

But when Balak "sent yet again princes, more, and more honorable," together with the promise to Balaam of "very great honor," the prophet was anxious to go, and presumed to again inquire of the Lord. The first inquiry was all right; but after the word of the Lord had plainly made known his will, further inquiry became offensive, and the Lord gave him permission to go. Here he had express leave given him in answer to prayer to go where he had previously been forbidden to go; but his designed mission was fruitless, for "God's anger was kindled because he went."

Nothing could better illustrate or more plainly indicate the displeasure of the Lord with those who seek by prayer or otherwise for authority or light upon any subject, contrary to his emphatic word. This instance was "written for our learning," and shows beyond question that a disposition to squarely ignore that which the Spirit has expressly spoken cannot be excused or palliated by any degree of fancied consecration or humility, or any intensity or fervency of petition. Although such prayer may secure a delusive permit to disobey the word, it will just as surely secure the accompanying anger of the Lord. "Be not deceived; God is not mocked." It is the prayer "according to his will" that receives answer accompanied by his blessing (1 John 5:4), not that which asks for something contrary to his word.

W. N. GLENN.