Written by: John Sernaque
Dear Reader,
Books / Pr - Prayer (2002) / Chapter 2—Our Need Of Prayer
Chapter 2—Our Need Of Prayer
Prayer Needed to Understand Truth—The themes of redemption are momentous themes, and only those who are spiritually minded can discern their depth and significance. It is our safety, our life, our joy, to dwell upon the truths of the plan of salvation. Faith and prayer are necessary in order that we may behold the deep things of God. Our minds are so bound about with narrow ideas, that we catch but limited views of the experience it is our privilege to have. How little do we comprehend what is meant by the prayer of the apostle, when he says, “That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his spirit in the inner man; that Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; and to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fullness of God. Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.”(The Review and Herald, November 17, 1891.) {Pr 30.2}
Spiritual things are spiritually discerned. Do not seek after a sign as the Jews or after wisdom as the Greeks, rather let this mind be in us, which is also in Christ Jesus. Christ is the Power of God and the wisdom of God. Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men and the weakness of God is stronger than men are. He that glories, let him glory in the Lord. These words spoken by God through the Apostle Paul are worthy for us today as much as in Paul’s time. We are here to preach Christ crucified. Faith and prayer are necessary for us to know the things that are of God. Let this experience be yours today for an eternal tomorrow.
Our Father, God almighty,
We come into Your presence in thanksgiving, praise, and prayer. We bring our petitions before You, in faith, that You will hear and answer our prayers. We are but mortal men in filthy rags who know not the depth of Your infinite wisdom. We pray, dear Lord, that You anoint us with Your Holy Spirit. We pray that You grant us Your strength and courage, Your wisdom, understanding, and discernment to do what is right, favorable, and well pleasing in Your sight. May we honor and glorify Your name, and let not our will but let Thy will be done. We pray that You shape us and mold us into the Christian You created in Your own image. Bless us with a continual desire to seek out Your truths that we may discern their depth and significance. We pray that our faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God. Help us to present these truths for all to understand Your plan of salvation. For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.
Speak to us, dear Lord, and help us to hear and understand the message You have for us. May we hear Your voice and follow wherever the Lamb leads. Help us to understand Your truth. He who has an ear let him hear what the spirit says unto the churches. Strengthen our inner spirit, live and dwell within us that we may abide in You and You in us. May we all learn of Your love, which passes knowledge. Root us and ground us in Your love, as You are love. But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. But God hath revealed [them] unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. 1 Corinthians 2: 9-10. We lift our prayers as sweet incense to Your heavenly throne, in the name of Christ Jesus. Amen.
