Do as Thou Hast Said, That Thy Name May Be
True prayer involves praying with confidence and faith, claiming specific promises from Scripture, and seeking God's glory above personal interests.
F.B. Meyer emphasizes the power of claiming God's promises in prayer, as exemplified by David's plea in 1 Chronicles 17:23-24. He encourages believers to confidently present specific promises from Scripture, asserting that true prayer aligns with God's will and seeks to magnify His name above personal interests. Meyer highlights the beauty and strength found in this approach, urging Christians to focus on God's glory rather than their own desires. By doing so, they can experience a deeper connection with God and witness the fulfillment of His promises.
Text
Do as Thou hast said, that thy name may be
magnified for ever. 1 Chron. xvii. 23, 24.
THIS is a most blessed phase of true prayer. Many a time we ask for things which are not absolutely promised. We are not sure therefore until we have persevered for some time whether our petitions are in the line of God's purpose or no. There are other occasions, and in the life of David this was one, when we are fully persuaded that what we ask is according to God's will. We feel led to take up slid plead some promise from the page of Scripture, under the special impression that it contains a message for us.
At such times, in confident faith, we say, "Do as Thou hast said." There is hardly any position more utterly beautiful, strong, or safe, than to put the finger upon some promise of the Divine Word, and claim it. There need be no anguish, or struggle, or wrestling; we simply present the cheque and ask for cash, produce the promise, and claim its fulfilment; nor can there be any doubt as to the issue. It would give much interest to prayer, if we were more definite. It is far better to claim a few things specifically than a score vaguely.
David's argument was not simply that his house might be established, but that God's name might be magnified for ever. It is good when we can lose sight of our personal interests in our keen desire for his glory; when we are so delivered from egotism, that Christ is all and in all. Let the attitude of your soul be more towards the glory of God; and as you quote promise after promise for the enthroning of Christ, the saving of men, and the sanctification of your soul, dare in humble faith to say, Do as Thou hast said, that thy Name may be magnified for ever.
Sermon Outline
- The Nature of True Prayer
- The Confidence of Faith
- The Importance of Definiteness in Prayer
- The Attitude of the Soul
- Losing sight of personal interests for God's glory
- Delivered from egotism
Key Quotes
“Do as Thou hast said, that thy name may be magnified for ever.” — F.B. Meyer
“It would give much interest to prayer, if we were more definite.” — F.B. Meyer
“Let the attitude of your soul be more towards the glory of God;” — F.B. Meyer
Application Points
- Pray with confidence and faith, claiming specific promises from Scripture.
- Seek God's glory above personal interests in your prayers.
- Be delivered from egotism and focus on God's will in your life.