When we pray we enter the presence of God—into the audience chamber of the Most High, to the throne room itself, the inmost sanctuary of God for a private audience with the Ruler of the universe.

Very few people fully appreciate this honour; and this honour is granted to the lowliest of men.

In private prayer, as well as in public prayer, many too often pray as a matter of duty or custom and repeat certain phrases without thought to their meaning. We should not use vain repetitions or take the Lord’s name in vain.

The Apostle Paul writes, “With thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.” Philippians 4:6. Yet, too often we accept the blessings from God but forget to give thanks for them. Once Jesus healed ten lepers and sent them to show themselves to the priests. Of the ten, only one returned to give thanks to Jesus. When we pray we need to have an attitude that is humble and thankful.

The great men of the Bible, when they prayed they knelt down in private or public worship. Paul knelt down and so did Peter. Solomon knelt at the dedication of the temple. However, it is not always possible to kneel. We cannot kneel down if we are walking on the street, but we can pray in our minds and ask for God’s help.

Martin Luther wrote, “Well prayed is half studied.” All wisdom comes from God. When studying at school we can pray for wisdom to understand and to do well. God will give us wisdom.

“Without faith it is impossible to please Him.” Hebrews 11:6

When we bring our petitions to God, we need faith that God will hear our prayers. “Prayer and faith are closely allied.” –Education p. 257

“What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye shall receive them, and ye shall have them.” Mark 11:24. It is plain that our asking must be according to God’s will and then God will answer them.

We must pray for forgiveness of our sins, for the Holy Spirit, for wisdom and strength or any gift that God has promised. Then we are to believe that we will receive what we have asked for and thank God that we have received an answer to our prayers.

“By your fervent prayers of faith, you can move the arm that moves the world. . . . He that can do marvelous things, will regard the contrite prayer of faith from the humblest of His children. Prayer and faith will do what no power on earth can accomplish.”  –The Review and Herald, April 23, 1889

When Hudson Taylor, the famous missionary who first went to China, was sailing his vessel very close to the shore of Cannibal Islands, the ship was slowly drifting to shore, unable to go further out; the inhabitants were eagerly anticipating a feast. The captain came to Mr. Taylor and asked him to pray so that God would help.

“I will,” said Taylor, “provided you set your sails to catch a breeze.” The captain declined to make himself a laughingstock by putting up the sails when the winds were calm. Taylor then said, “I will not undertake to pray for the vessel unless you prepare the sails.” So the sails were set up.

While praying in his cabin, there was a knock at the door. The captain called, “Are you still praying for the wind?” “Yes,” said Taylor. “Well you better stop praying,” said the captain, “for we have more wind than we can manage.” “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” James 5:16

Prayer changes things. Prayer can move the arm of Omnipotence. Prayer can move mountains, clear away difficulties, heal the sick, change the entire course of a man’s life and even change history.

Prayer is not primarily to get from God what a man wants, but rather to make man satisfied with what he has.

It is not necessary to relieve him from pain, but to give him grace to bear the pain. It is not to attempt to have God change His mind, but to have man accept God’s mind.

Paul prayed three times that God would take the thorn away from his flesh, but God did not take it away. Paul then accepted the will of God and said, “I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.” Philippians 4:11

Before, Paul fretted, but now he was content. He had learned to trust God fully and all his prayers were answered for his best.

We must pray and work and believe the Lord will hear us and help us. We cannot always be on our knees in prayer, but our silent petitions may constantly rise to God for strength and guidance and He will listen to us up in heaven. Amen.

James Bessec