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  PRAYER IN HARMONY WITH THE PERSON OF GOD
  by Andrew Murray
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Summary: The power of prayer is a reality that requires a harmonization
of faith, knowledge, and the will of God.

Topics: "Prayer", "Faith and Knowledge"
Scripture References: 1 Corinthians 12:8

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DESCRIPTION
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Andrew Murray emphasizes the distinction between faith and knowledge in
the context of prayer, highlighting that while childlike faith is
powerful, a deeper understanding of God's wisdom is essential for a
mature prayer life. He encourages believers to embrace both heart and
mind in their relationship with God, recognizing the complexities of
harmonizing prayer with God's will and sovereignty. Murray invites
Christians to meditate on these mysteries, leading to a deeper reverence
and awe for God's power in prayer.

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CONTENT
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In the New Testament we find a distinction made between faith and
knowledge: ''For to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit,
to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, to another
faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the same
Spirit'' (1 Corinthians 12:8-9 NKJV). In a child or a childlike
Christian there may be faith but little knowledge. Childlike simplicity
accepts the truth without difficulty and rarely cares to give itself or
others any reason for its faith except that God said it. But God would
have us love and serve Him not only with all our heart but also with all
our mind; that we might grow up into the divine wisdom and beauty of all
His ways and words and works.

This truth has its full application in our prayer life. While prayer and
faith are so simple that a newborn convert can pray with power, the
doctrine of prayer often presents problems. Is the power of prayer a
reality? How can God grant to prayer such power? How can the action of
prayer be harmonized with the will of God? How can God's sovereignty and
our will, God's liberty and ours, be reconciled? These and other similar
questions are valid subjects for Christian meditation and inquiry. The
more earnestly and reverently we approach such mysteries, the more we
will fall down in adoring awe to praise Him who has in prayer given such
power to men and women.

(Excerpted from The Andrew Murray Daily Reader in Today's Language, Pg.
249)

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/andrew-murray/prayer-in-harmony-with-the-person-of-god/
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