Living In The Light

February 16, The Prayer Of Faith

“If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you
will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.” —John 15:7 LL 54.1

In the prison at Philippi, while suffering from the cruel stripes they had received, their feet fast in the stocks, Paul and Silas prayed and sang praise to God; and angels were sent from Heaven to deliver them. The earth shook under the tread of these heavenly messengers, and the prison doors flew open, setting the prisoners free. LL 54.2

There are two kinds of prayer—the prayer of form and the prayer of faith. The repetition of set, customary phrases when the heart feels no need of God, is formal prayer. “When ye pray,” says Christ, “use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do; for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.” We should be extremely careful in all our prayers to speak the wants of the heart, and to say only what we mean. All the flowery words at our command are not equivalent to one holy desire. The most eloquent prayers are but vain repetitions, if they do not express the true sentiments of the heart. But the prayer that comes from an earnest heart, when the simple wants of the soul are expressed just as we would ask an earthly friend for a favor, expecting that it would be granted—this is the prayer of faith. The publican who went up to the temple to pray is a good example of a sincere, devoted worshiper. He felt that he was a sinner, and his great need led to an outburst of passionate desire, “God be merciful to me a sinner.” LL 54.3

In order to have spiritual life and energy, we must have actual intercourse^* with God. Our minds may be drawn out toward Him; we may meditate upon His works, His mercies, His blessings; but this is not communing with Him. To commune with God we must have something to say to Him concerning our actual life. The long, black catalogue of our delinquencies is before the eye of the Infinite. The register is complete; none of our offenses are forgotten. But He who wrought wonderfully for His servants of old will listen to the prayer of faith and pardon our transgressions. He has promised, and He will fulfill His word. Then why should not the desires of our hearts go out after Him, and the attitude of our souls ever be that of supplication? — Signs of the Times , August 14, 1884. LL 54.4

Further Reflection: Is there anything preventing you from fully opening your heart to God in prayer? LL 54.5