the same way,
the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for,
but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. Romans 8:26
How to Pray. – You notice for
every day two headings – the one What
to Pray; the other, How to Pray.
If the subjects only were given, one might fall into the routine of mentioning
names and things before God, and the work would become a burden. The hints
under the heading How to Pray,
are meant to remind you of the spiritual nature of the work, of the need of
Divine help, and to encourage faith in the certainty that God, through the
Spirit, will give us grace to pray aright and will also hear our prayer. One
does not at once learn to take his place boldly, and to dare to believe that he
will be heard. Therefore take a few moments each day to listen to God’s voice
reminding you of how certainly even you will be heard, and calling on you to
pray in that faith in your Father, to claim and take the blessing you plead
for. And let these words about How to
Pray, enter your hearts and occupy your thoughts at other times, too.
The work of intercession is Christ’s great work on earth, entrusted to Him
because He gave Himself a sacrifice to God for men. The work of intercession is
the greatest work a Christian can do. Give yourself as a sacrifice to God for
men, and the work will become your glory and your joy, too.
What to Pray. – Scripture calls
us to pray for many things: for all saints; for all men, for kings and all
rulers; for all who are in adversity; for the sending forth of laborers; for
those who labor in the gospel; for all converts; for believers who have fallen
into sin; for one another in our own immediate circles. The Church is now so
much larger than when the New Testament was written; the number of forms of
work and workers is so much greater; the needs of the Church and the world are
so much better known, that we need to take time and thought to see where prayer
is needed, and to what our hearts are most drawn out. The Scriptural calls to
prayer demand a large heart, taking in all saints, and all men, and all needs.
An attempt has been made in these helps to indicate what the chief subjects are
that need prayer, and that ought to interest every Christian.
It will be felt difficult by many to pray for
such large spheres as are sometimes mentioned. Let it be understood that in
each case we may make special intercession for our own circle of interest
coming under that heading. And it is hardly needful to say, further, that where
one subject appears of more special interest or urgency than another we are
free for a time, day after day, to take up that subject. If only time be really
given to intercession, and the spirit of believing intercession be cultivated,
the object is attained. While, on the one hand, the heart must be enlarged at
times to take in all, the more pointed and definite our prayer can be, the
better. With this view paper is left blank on which we can write down
special petitions we desire to urge before God.
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