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THE
NEW LIFE by
John Marshall
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Chapter
13 • THE
WAY OF PRAYER
The
Humble Spirit
Whilst we have "boldness (i.e. freedom of speech) to
enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus", as sons
of God we must show not only the respect that is due to our
Father (who is the Most High in majesty), but must exemplify
the kind of spiritual character that he looks for: "Thus
saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose
name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him
also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the
spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite
ones."
Before our Father we stand disarmed of all our human pride
and follies, and it is proper that when we pray to Him we
should remember how much we depend on His love and grace.
The very act of prayer, whenever and wherever it may be used,
should be one of deep humility. From his own distressing experiences
the apostle Peter learned this great lesson: "Be subject
one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth
the proud and giveth grace to the humble. Humble yourselves
therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt
you in due time: casting all your anxiety upon him, because
he careth for you."
Prayer is a spiritual way of life, and humility is its character.
Everything we say and do should be controlled by a humble
trust in God, and if anyone finds difficulty in expressing
this humility to the Father there are helpful illustrations
in the Scriptures from the lives of those who faced changes
of circumstance and responsibility with this humble trust
in Him. When Solomon was made king of Israel he knew that
he could not possibly fulfil his office in his own strength:
"Now, O Lord my God, thou hast made thy servant king
instead of David my father: and I am but a little child...
Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge
thy people, that I may discern between good and evil . . ."'
What a tragedy it was that Solomon failed to preserve this
humility to the end of his life!
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References
Heb 10v19, Isa 57v15,
1 Pet 5v5-7 RV, 1 Kings 3v7,9
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Chapter
13• THE WAY OF PRAYER
The Beauty of Holiness
To divest ourselves of all pride of achievement and to humble ourselves
before the Father is a prerequisite to worshipping Him, for this
ought to be our first reason for praying to Him: "Give unto
the Lord the glory due unto his name: bring an offering and come
before him: worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness."
The scientists who unravel some of the secrets of the molecule and
the genes; the astronomer who peers out into frighteningly vast
space; and the astronauts who photograph the beauties of nature's
colours on earth, all proclaim the wondrous and mighty works of
God. They unfold for us a multitude of reasons for our humble worship
of the Father and the Psalms must often put into words for us what
we feel about His Majesty:
"The
Lord reigneth; he is clothed with majesty;
The Lord is clothed with strength, wherewith he hath
girdeth himself;
The world also is stablished, that it cannot be moved.
Thy throne is established of old:
Thou art from everlasting."
Expressions
like these emphasize that in prayer our first thoughts should be
the recognition and acknowledgment of the worthiness and holiness
of God, our Father, and by so thinking we manifest to Him our reverence
and respect for His Name and Majesty. No one has expressed this
with the perfection of Jesus: "Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed by thy name." "Holy Father, keep through thine
own name, those whom thou hast given me." But we can try to
follow his example.
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References
1 Chron 16v28-29, Psa 93v1-2, Matt 6v9, John 17v11
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