July 29
For Whom and What Should We Pray?
Daily BreadI exhort therefore that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men. 1 Timothy 2:1.
A true Christian loves his neighbor, and he has the needs of his neighbor at heart as well as his own. He even prays for his enemies, being mindful of the Savior's words: "Pray for them which despitefully use you and persecute you." He particularly prays for the Church at large and for his own congregation. Not only, however, does he pray for others, but also, yea, most of all, for himself, especially for things pertaining to his soul's welfare.
For what should a Christian pray? The Lord says: "Whatsoever ye ask the Father in My name, He will give it you." Christ speaks to Christians, who ask in Christ's name. Christians are Christ-minded; they have His Spirit. "If any one has not the Spirit of Christ, He is none of His." Hence it would be folly to ask for anything and everything, just as we happen to be prompted by whims and fancies. True faith cannot expect anything but what God has promised to give. Foolish prayers are not heard. The Lord speaks to Christians, who pray according to His will, submitting their will to God's will. A Christian praying in Jesus' name will do as Jesus did, who prayed: "Father, if Thou be willing, remove this cup from Me; nevertheless, not My will, but Thine, be done." And the leper, approaching the Lord, said: "Lord, if Thou wilt, Thou canst make me clean." So, then, temporal gifts, such as health, riches, skill, wisdom, and the like, we should ask with the condition that God would grant them to us
if they tend to His glory and our welfare. But spiritual gifts, which are absolutely necessary for our soul's salvation, we should ask without condition, because we know the will of our Father. He wills our salvation. Hence we pray for spiritual blessings, such as forgiveness of sins, the grace of God, faith, the guidance of the Holy Spirit, steadfastness in faith, perseverance in tribulation, without condition; and we are sure of being heard because we have His promise that He will give all this to us if we but ask Him.
Prayer.
O merciful and faithful God, we earnestly pray Thee, bestow upon us wisdom and strength, together with a courageous and fearless spirit, so that we may act prudently, overcome all obstacles that arise, and attain to a blessed and desired end by Thy fatherly guidance. O Lord Jesus, in Thy name and upon Thy Word I come to God in prayer, not only for myself, but also for all men. Be merciful to me and to all men. Be not far from us; hasten, O Lord, to succor us! Amen.
When in prayer we cry to Thee, Do Thou hear us; From the stains of sin and shame Do Thou clear us; 'Mid the quicksands and the rocks Do Thou steer us; In temptation, trial, grief, Be Thou near us.