Prayer And Supplication

by Jarvie, G. | Category: General | Sept 1954

With all prayer and supplication praying at all seasons in the Spirit"

(Ephesians 6. 18).

Young disciples will find it very helpful to note the Scriptures where "prayer and supplication" are quoted.

A study of the occurrences in the Old Testament will bring the young disciple into touch with some of the men of prayer. Let us think about Solomon, the great king, as he kneels upon his knees before God, with his hands spread forth toward heaven. Please read the whole of his heart-moving prayer in 1 Kings 8., and notice the frequent use of the word "supplication." Solomon's heart was tender toward God at that time. He had a right appreciation of the greatness and the majesty of God, and of his own nothingness. So must we, if we are to pray as he did.

We recall another great man of prayer, Daniel. He set himself, a man skilled in prayer, to seek God, and how quickly an answer came! Please read Daniel 9.

Let us take courage and address ourselves more diligently to seek the Lord. He will hear us as He heard them, if our hearts are toward Him as their hearts were.

In Ephesians 6., where Paul writes about the Christian's armour, we read again about prayer and supplication. The Lord's warriors cannot advance without these exercises. Supplication is not a hurried prayer in the morning nor a wearied prayer at night.... it is bending low in contrition before God. Only those whose sufficiency is in God are sufficient for the service in which we find ourselves. Prayer and supplication are as needful to the spiritual life as food and water are to our natural life.

Concerning assembly-prayers, please read 1 Timothy 2. 1. If prayer and supplication are lacking in our prayer-meetings there will be little movement of the Holy Spirit, and little power in ourselves. Let us guard against "wordy" prayers and "light-hearted" supplications. We must approach our God, concerning the things laid on our hearts, with reverence and godly fear .... yet with boldness.

A delightful word is recorded concerning the widow in 1 Timothy 5.5: she "continueth in supplication and prayers night and day." What a great occupation! We are all the poorer if and when God takes away such from our midst.

In closing we remember our gracious Leader, the Lord Jesus Christ, of whom it is written .

"Who in the days of His flesh.... offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears" (Hebrews 5.7).

To follow His steps may call for some sacrifice in our lives. Are we willing to set our faces in this matter of seeking God, and to make it the first and greatest part of our service? If so, blessing will not long be delayed.

Jarvie, G. | Sept 1954
General