Written by: John Sernaque
Dear Reader,
Books / Pr - Prayer (2002) / Chapter 2—Our Need Of Prayer Chapter 2—Our Need Of Prayer
Christ’s Example Shows the Necessity of Prayer—If those who sound the solemn notes of warning for this time could realize their accountability to God, they would see the necessity for fervent prayer. When the cities were hushed in midnight slumber, when every man had gone to his own house, Christ, our example, would repair to the Mount of Olives, and there, amid the overshadowing trees, would spend the entire night in prayer. He who was Himself without the taint of sin,—a treasure-house of blessing; whose voice was heard in the fourth watch of the night by the terrified disciples upon the stormy sea, in heavenly benediction; and whose word could summon the dead from their graves,—He it was who made supplication with strong crying and tears. He prayed not for Himself, but for those whom He came to save. As He became a suppliant, seeking at the hand of His Father fresh supplies of strength, and coming forth refreshed and invigorated as man’s substitute, He identified Himself with suffering humanity, and gave them an example of the necessity of prayer. {Pr 18.4}
His nature was without the taint of sin. As the Son of man, He prayed to the Father, showing that human nature requires all the divine support which man can obtain that he may be braced for duty and prepared for trial. As the Prince of Life, He had power with God, and prevailed for His people. This Saviour, who prayed for those that felt no need of prayer, and wept for those that felt no need of tears, is now before the throne, to receive and present to His Father the petitions of those for whom He prayed on earth. The example of Christ is for us to follow. Prayer is a necessity in our labor for the salvation of souls. God alone can give the increase of the seed we sow.—(Gospel Workers, 28, 29.) {Pr 19.1}
Just as God provides the sun and the rain for a flower to germinate from a seed to its beautiful splendor in shape and color, so will He provide the Holy Spirit to them in which a seed has been sown. Christ provides all the support we need to carry out our duty in labor for saving souls. By prayer and supplication, we are able to tap into the power of God through our Lord and Savior, Christ Jesus. Our great intercessor hears our prayers and makes our petitions known to the Father. Just as Jesus prayed for those whom He came to save, likewise we are to follow His example. Come to the Father through Jesus the son, and give Him the glory, great things He has done.
Our Father in heaven,
We thank You for giving us this privilege, honor, and opportunity to come into Your presence. We give You thanks for giving us Your example to follow. We come to You seeking Your power from on high. We pray that You grant us power to overcome sin. We pray that You help us help
bring the lost to the foot of Your throne. We pray that as You prayed for us, that we might pray for these lost souls that they may be saved. We pray that we will also be saved when You come in the cloud of the heavenly host to take Your saints home to the New Jerusalem. We pray that You help us prepare for duty and for trial. We surrender our life to You and are dedicated to Your service. We realize that we are all accountable to You and that prayer is a necessity for us to commune with You and receive Your blessings. We pray that we have the opportunity to reach these lost souls, that they too may commune with You and likewise bring other souls Your saving truths. We pray that as Your disciples, we may give the loud cry for the world to repent and behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. Help us in our labor for the salvation of souls. Help us as we go out into Your vineyard to sow seeds to suffering humanity. We pray that the harvest may be plenty for You to gather all the flock of the seed we sow. May everything we say and do, and whatever our hands touch, let it be for the glory of Your name. We thank You for all the blessings You pour out on Your children and for hearing and answering our prayers. Praise be to You dear God and Glory be to Your name, in Christ Jesus, we pray. Amen.
