A child knocks at the father’s door with boldness and perseverance, and, knowing the rights of a child, takes no denial. Thus should it be with the children of God, who, through Christ’s atonement, have liberty of access to the Father.
Every child of God prays, but not all know what it is to labour in prayer. (Col. 4:12.)
Much prayer for the ungodly is a sign of a thriving soul. Christ prayed for His enemies, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do”
To be sustained in faith under long delay of the answer to prayer, is itself an answer to prayer beyond price. (Matt. 15:22-28.)
When we cannot pray at all, then is it high time to pray. We honour God by fighting with inward difficulties, and show our faith in the intercession of the Lord Jesus by bringing our coldness of spirit to the great High Priest.
True boldness in prayer is not to be judged by good words, but by this test: How far is the will of the flesh trodden under foot, and God’s will the guide of the soul?
If the ear of sinners be shut to our words, let our mouth be opened at the Mercy-seat in their behalf.
The children of God are apt to think meanly of their prayers and holy things, and to doubt the acceptance of their offerings because of imperfections. It is well indeed to have the humble mind; but unbelief is not pleasing to God. The prattlings of a child are sweeter in the Father’s ear than all the best spoken words of a bond-servant.
Elisha asked for “a hard thing” (2 Kings 2:10). So with many of our requests; they are not things too hard for the Lord, who delights to give liberally, and with whom nothing is impossible: but a prepared heart is needed to receive a great spiritual blessing; and it is by much self-denial the heart is prepared.
Christ’s intercession is grounded on His atonement; and so is the prayer of faith.