July 28

Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in My name, He will give it you. John 16:23.

We must pray in Jesus' name. Praying in the name of Jesus, relying upon the meritorial work that He accomplished for us, we may and should be certain that God will hear us. "This is the confidence that we have to Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He heareth us." Christ Himself heartens us to pray confidently when He says: "All things whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive." Matthew 21:22. We should pray in true faith with childlike trust in God, our heavenly Father, and harboring no doubt whatsoever in our hearts as to whether we shall be heard. That is how we should pray.

And when shall we pray? Scripture says: "Pray always. Pray without ceasing. Continue constant in prayer." Prayer is the vital breath of our spiritual life. We cannot live without breathing. Ceasing to breathe means death. So with the spiritual life of a Christian. If he no longer prays, spiritual death has set in. We must live a life of prayer. To pray always is to live as in God's presence, to be in constant communion with Him. — But though Christians never cease to have communion with God, yet there should be stated times for prayer, times when we direct special prayers and supplications to God or render praise and thanksgiving to Him. David says in one of his psalms: "Evening and morning and at noon will I pray." Daniel was accustomed to kneel upon his knees three times a day. The early Christians continued steadfastly in prayer. Arising from our beds in the morning, should we not thank God? And should we not find a few moments to lift up our thoughts on high during the day? Should we not say grace at table and thank God for all His blessings and benefits?

As to our last question, Where shall we pray? I answer: The Lord is everywhere, and His ears are always open to the cries of His people. We read 1 Timothy 2:8: "I will therefore that men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting." But we should pray especially in public worship, as the psalmist says: "In the congregations will I bless the Lord."

Prayer.

Lord God, heavenly Father, through the suffering and death of Christ Jesus, our Mediator and Redeemer, we have access to

Thy fatherly heart. Thou hast also through Thy beloved Son taught us how, when, and where to pray. Grant, therefore, that in the obedience and confidence of faith we may offer up to Thee worship and prayer and praise. Pour out upon us the Spirit of grace and of supplications and let the words of our mouth and the meditations of our heart be acceptable in Thy sight, O Lord, our Strength and our Redeemer. Have compassion with our infirmities; and also those things which we do not venture to ask, give us for the sake of Thy dear Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Cease not to pray; On Jesus as your All rely. Would you live happy, happy die? Take time to pray.