1/6/2024 0 Comments Charles spurgeon prayer![]() We chatter about many subjects, but the soul does not concentrate itself upon any one object. My brothers and sisters, we often ramble in our prayers after this, that, and the other, and we get nothing because in each request we do not really desire anything. To make prayer of any value, there should be definite objects for which to plead for. One other qualification appears here upon the very surface, namely, that a real expectation should always accompany a firm faith- “believe that you have received it.” Not merely believe that “You will” but “You that you have” received it-count them as if they were received, believe it as if you had it already, and act as if you had it-act as if you were sure you would have it-believe that you received it, and you will have it.” Let us review these four qualifications, one by one.ġ. Observe, too, that faith is an essential quality of successful prayer-“believe that you have received it.” You cannot pray so as to be heard in heaven and answered to your soul’s satisfaction, unless you believe that God really hears and will answer you. ![]() Indeed it is not prayer, it may be something like prayer, the outward form or the bare skeleton, but it is not the living thing, the all-prevailing, almighty thing, called prayer, unless there is a complete and consuming desire. Another essential qualification of prayer is earnest desire for the Master assumes that when we pray we have needs and desires, thus we are asking for something. ![]() He speaks of definite request, “Whatever you ask for.” It seems then that he made the point that God’s children would go to him to pray when they had something to pray for. According to our Savior’s description of prayer, there should always be some definite objects for which we should plead. If you look at it carefully, I think you will perceive the essential qualities which are necessary for any great success and power in prayer. Give me your attention while I beg you, first, to look at the text secondly to look around you and then, to look above you. If I can show you a more excellent way if from this time forward you may come to look at prayer as your natural state, as one of the most delightful exercises of your life if you will come to esteem it more than your necessary food, and to value it as one of heaven’s best luxuries, surely I will have answered a great end, and you will have to thank God for a great blessing. Brothers and sisters, I don’t condemn you but at the same time, if I may be the means of lifting you up this morning from so low a state of grace into a higher and healthier atmosphere, my soul will be extremely glad. There are many Christians, I think, who complain of this-that they pray not so much because it is a blessed thing that allows them to draw near to God, but because they must pray, because it is their duty, because they feel that if they did not, they would lose one of the sure evidences of being Christians. After having gone again through a certain round of customary utterances, we rise from our knees perhaps more troubled in conscience and more distressed in mind than we were before. There is no crying out of our needs to him with the firm conviction that he will supply them. When the time comes around again conscience drives us to our knees, but there is not sweet fellowship with God. And don’t we all have to admit, that sometimes when we pray, that it is very difficult work and seems to be almost drudgery? We spend the allotted time, but we rise from our knees unrefreshed, like a man who has laid on his bed but has not slept so hasn’t really recovered his strength. They don’t neglect it, for they dare not but they would neglect it if they could, because they don’t find any pleasure in praying. There are so many persons who complain that they don’t enjoy prayer. “Whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” May we have the grace to constantly obey it. The advice which Christ gave to the twelve and to his immediate followers is repeated to us in God’s Word this morning. ![]() I believe that this text applies not only to the apostles, but also to all those who walk in the faith of the apostles, believing in the promises of the Lord Jesus Christ. We will, this morning, consider it in that light. ![]() This verse has something to do with the faith of miracles but I think it has far more reference to the miracle of faith. ![]()
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