Not the Asking, but the Kneeling
The sermon emphasizes the importance of kneeling in prayer and being in the presence of God, rather than just asking for things.
Mary Wilder Tileston emphasizes the importance of abiding in God's presence, trusting in His protection, and seeking counsel from the Lord. E. P. Tenney suggests that spending time in the presence of Infinite Wisdom can greatly enhance one's intellectual abilities. Alexander McKenzie reflects on the essence of prayer, highlighting the significance of simply being in God's presence, listening to Him, and allowing His love to transform and empower us to impact the world around us.
Text
I will abide in Thy tabernacle for ever; I will trust in the covert of Thy wings.
--PSALMS 61:4
I will bless the Lord, who hath given me counsel. --PSALMS 16:7
WOULD it not be possible for every man to double his intellectual force by keeping much in the company of Infinite Wisdom?
--E. P. TENNEY
I cannot help the thought which grows steadily upon me, that the better part of prayer is not the asking, but the kneeling where we can ask, the resting there, the staying there, drawing out the willing moments in heavenly communion with God, within the closet, with the night changed into the brightness of the day by the light of Him who all the night was in prayer to God. Just to be there, at leisure from our.selves, at leisure from the world, with our souls at liberty, with our spirit feeling its kinship to the Divine Spirit, with our life finding itself in the life of God,--this is prayer. Would it be possible that one could be thus with God, listening to Him, speaking to Him, reposing upon His love, and not come out with a shining face, a gladdened heart, an intent more constant and more strong to give to the waiting world which so sadly needs it what has been taken from the heart of God? --ALEXANDER MCKENZIE
Sermon Outline
- The Importance of Prayer
- The Benefits of Kneeling in Prayer
- The Result of Kneeling in Prayer
- A shining face and a gladdened heart
- A stronger intent to serve God and others
- Increased love and faith in God
Key Quotes
“WOULD it not be possible for every man to double his intellectual force by keeping much in the company of Infinite Wisdom?” — Mary Wilder Tileston
“Just to be there, at leisure from our.selves, at leisure from the world, with our souls at liberty, with our spirit feeling its kinship to the Divine Spirit, with our life finding itself in the life of God,--this is prayer.” — Mary Wilder Tileston
“Would it be possible that one could be thus with God, listening to Him, speaking to Him, reposing upon His love, and not come out with a shining face, a gladdened heart, an intent more constant and more strong to give to the waiting world which so sadly needs it what has been taken from the heart of God?” — Mary Wilder Tileston
Application Points
- Take time to kneel in prayer and be in the presence of God, rather than just asking for things.
- Allow yourself to be at leisure from yourself and the world, and listen to God's voice.
- Repose on God's love and let it fill your heart and life.