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Humble Hero
The Wonderful Privilege of Prayer
The Savior explained that the secret of their success would be to
ask for strength and grace in His name. He presents the prayer of the
humble petitioner to the Father as His own desire in that person’s
behalf. Sincere prayer may not be fluently expressed, but it will
ascend to the sanctuary where Jesus ministers. He will present it to
the Father without one awkward, stammering word, fragrant with
the incense of His own perfection.
The path of sincerity and integrity is not free from obstacles, but
in every difficulty we are to see a call to prayer. “Whatever you
ask in My name,” said Jesus, “that I will do, that the Father may be
glorified in the Son. If you ask anything in My name, I will do it.”
In Christ’s name His followers are to stand before God. Because
of the righteousness of Christ credited to them, they are regarded
as precious. The Lord does not see the vileness of the sinner in
them. He recognizes in them the likeness of His Son, in whom they
believe.
The Lord is disappointed when His people place a low estimate
on themselves. God wanted them, or He would not have sent His Son
on such an expensive mission to redeem them. He is well pleased
when they make the very highest demands on Him in order to glorify
His name. They may expect large things if they have faith in His
promises.
But to pray in Christ’s name means that we are to accept His
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character, reveal His spirit, and work His works. The Savior saves
us, not in sin, but from sin. Those who love Him show their love by
obedience.
All true obedience comes from the heart. It was heart work
with Christ. And if we consent, He will blend our hearts and minds
in conformity to His will so completely that when we obey Him
we will be simply carrying out our own impulses. The will finds
its highest delight in doing His service. Our life will be a life of
continual obedience. Sin will become hateful to us.
As Christ lived the law in humanity, so we may do if we will
take hold of the Strong One for strength. But we cannot depend
on humanity for counsel. The Lord will teach us our duty just as
willingly as He will teach someone else. If we come to Him in