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Our Access to the Father, March 12
Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in
my name, he will give it you.
John 16:23
.
We are to pray in the name of Christ, our Mediator. Our petitions are
of value only as they are offered in His name. He has bridged the gulf
that sin has made. By His atoning sacrifice He has bound to Himself and
His Father those who believe in Him. His is the only name under heaven
whereby we may be saved....
We are not to be so overwhelmed with the thought of our sins and
errors that we shall cease to pray. Some realize their great weakness and
sin, and become discouraged. Satan casts his dark shadow between them
and the Lord Jesus, their atoning sacrifice. They say, It is useless for me
to pray. My prayers are so mingled with evil thoughts that the Lord will
not hear them.
These suggestions are from Satan. In His humanity Christ met and
resisted this temptation, and He knows how to succor those who are thus
tempted. In our behalf, He “offered up prayers and supplications with
strong crying and tears” (
Hebrews 5:7
).
Many, not understanding that their doubts come from Satan, become
fainthearted and are defeated in the conflict. Do not, because your thoughts
are evil, cease to pray. If we could in our own wisdom and strength pray
aright, we could also live aright, and would need no atoning sacrifice. But
imperfection is upon all humanity. Educate and train the mind that you
may in simplicity tell the Lord what you need. As you offer your petitions
to God, seeking for forgiveness for sin, a purer and holier atmosphere will
surround your soul.
The Lord desires us to improve in prayer and to offer our spiritual
sacrifices with increased faith and power.... He has given His own Son
for your redemption. If by living faith we accept Him as our Saviour,
we are placed on vantage ground with God; for Christ stands before His
Father, saying, “Lay their sins on me. I will bear their guilt. They are my
property. I have graven them upon the palms of my hands.” In our behalf
He presents before His Father the marks of the crucifixion which He will
bear throughout eternity.
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