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Chapter 11—The Privilege of Prayer
God speaks to us through nature, the Bible, and by the influence
of His Spirit. He also speaks through the way He leads us. But it is
not enough for
Him
to speak to
us
. If we are to have spiritual life
and strength,
we
need to express our desires and our love to
Him
.
Our minds may be drawn toward Him. We may think of His
works, His mercies, and His blessings. But this is not in the fullest
sense sharing our thoughts and feelings with Him. We must have
something to say to Him about our joys and sorrows, our daily life.
Prayer is the opening of the heart to God as to a friend. Of course
we do not need to tell God about ourselves, for He already knows
everything. But we pray to help us know Him and be able to receive
Him. Prayer does not bring God down to us; it brings us up to Him.
When Jesus was on earth, He taught His disciples how to pray.
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He told them to present their daily needs before God and to lay all
their cares on Him. And He promised that their prayers would be
heard. This promise is also for us.
Jesus prayed often. He made Himself one of us when He was
on earth. His needs were the same as ours, and He asked His Father
for strength to meet the duties of each day. He knew He must have
God’s help to carry on His work. He is our example in all things.
Jesus shared in our weaknesses, for He was “in all points tempted
like as we are.”
Hebrews 4:15
, KJV. But He was sinless and turned
away from evil. He bore pain and the torture of temptation. Though
He was divine, He also was human and needed to pray as we do. He
had the right to ask His Father for things He needed. It gave Him
comfort and joy to share His thoughts with His Father. The Saviour,
the Son of God, felt the need of prayer. How much more should we
who are weak, sinful people feel the need to turn to God in prayer.
Our heavenly Father waits to give us His full blessing. In prayer
we can feel His boundless love. What a wonder it is that we pray so
little! God is ready and willing to hear the sincere prayer of even the
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