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Gospel Workers 1915
pacify conscience. Such prayers frequently result in bringing others
down to a low level of spirituality.
Before entering the desk, the minister should seek God in his closet,
and come into close connection with Him. There he may lift his thirsty
soul to God, and be refreshed with the dew of grace. Then with an
unction from the Holy Spirit upon him, giving him a burden for souls,
he will not dismiss a congregation without presenting before them
Jesus Christ, the sinner’s only refuge. Feeling that he many never
again meet these hearers, he will make appeals that will reach their
hearts. And the Master, who knows the hearts of men, will give him
utterance, helping him to speak the words he ought to speak at the
right time and with power.
Reverence in Prayer
Some think it a mark of humility to pray to God in a common
manner, as if talking with a human being. They profane His name
by needlessly and irreverently mingling with their prayers the words,
“God Almighty,”—awful, sacred words, which should never pass the
lips except in subdued tones and with a feeling of awe.
[177]
High-flown language is inappropriate in prayer, whether the peti-
tion be offered in the pulpit, in the family circle, or in secret. Especially
should the one offering public prayer use simple language, that others
may understand what is said and unite with the petition.
It is the heart-felt prayer of faith that is heard in heaven and an-
swered on earth. God understands the needs of humanity. He knows
what we desire before we ask Him. He sees the soul’s conflict with
doubt and temptation. He marks the sincerity of the suppliant. He will
accept the humiliation and affliction of the soul. “To this man will I
look,” He declares, “even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit,
and trembleth at My word.” [
Isaiah 66:2
.]
It is our privilege to pray with confidence, the Spirit inditing our
petitions. With simplicity we should state our needs to the Lord, and
claim His promise with such faith that those in the congregation will
know that we have learned to prevail with God in prayer. They will
be encouraged to believe that the Lord’s presence is in the meeting,
and will open their hearts to receive His blessing. Their faith in our