by C. R. Stam
Prayer, in Old Testament times, was based upon a covenant
relationship with God, or it was an appeal to His revealed
nature as merciful, gracious, etc. Today it is based upon the
redemptive work of Christ, whose death opened the way for us
into the Father's presence. This is why acceptable prayer
today is offered “in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ”. With
our Lord's departure from this world in view, He said to His
disciples:
“I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the
Father but by Me” (John 14:6).
“Hitherto have ye asked nothing in My name…At that day ye
shall ask in My name: and I say not unto you that I will pray
the Father for you, for the Father Himself loveth you, because
ye have loved Me…” (John 16:24-27).
Thus today we pray directly to the Father in the name of the
Son.
Our prayers, however, are often faltering and sometimes the
way is so dark before us that we do not even know what to ask
for. Thus Paul declared: “We know not what we should pray for
as we ought” (Rom.8:26). But he was quick to follow this with
the declaration:
“And we know that all things work together for good to them
that love God, to them who are the called according to His
purpose” (Rom.8:28).
This is why the Apostle Paul encourages God's people:
“Be careful [merimnao--anxious-- take thought.pansies
butterflies header.jpg] for nothing, but in everything, by
prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests
be made known unto God:
“And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall
keep ( phroureo--to mount guard as a sentinel ) your hearts
and minds through Christ Jesus” (Phil.4:6,7).
“Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that
we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need”
(Heb.4:16).
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