Prayer in Harmony With the Person of God
The power of prayer is a reality that requires a harmonization of faith, knowledge, and the will of God.
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.
Text
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)
Sermon Outline
- The Importance of Knowledge in Prayer
- The Application of Knowledge in Prayer
- The Power of Prayer
- Prayer and faith are simple, yet the doctrine of prayer presents problems
- Reconciling God's sovereignty and our will
Key Quotes
“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.” — Andrew Murray
Application Points
- As you pray, seek to grow in your understanding of God's ways and words.
- Recognize that prayer is a simple yet powerful act of faith that requires no reason or justification.
- Approach the mysteries of prayer with earnest and reverent meditation and inquiry.