Chapter 4
THE PROMISE OF PRAYER
Illustrating the Simplicity of Prayer
"And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened." (Verses 9, 10).
The way to get a thing that may be purchased is to pay for it. The way to get a thing that may be earned is work for it. The way to get a thing that may he given is to ask for it. Montgomery put the simplicity of prayer very beautifully in his immortal hymn:
"Prayer is the soul's sincere desire, Uttered or unexpressed, The motion of a hidden fire That trembles in the breast.
"Prayer is the simplest form of speech That infant lips may try; Prayer the sublimest strains that reach The Majesty on High."
1. The order suggested in the promise of prayer -- "Ask . . . seek . . . knock . . ." Ask in the spirit of the pattern of prayer, seek as for hidden treasure, knock with importunity. The promise is, "It shall be given," "Ye shall find," and "It shall he opened." Indeed, according to verse ten, they are now receiving, finding, and the door is being opened.
2. The simplicity -- God is my Father. I am His child. He has abundant supply for all my need. I am in need. He says, "Ask, and ye shall receive." "The basis of prayer," says Dr. Chadwick, "is sonship. Prayer is possible and reasonable because it is filial. It is natural for a child to ask of its father, and it is reasonable for the father to listen to the request of his child."
3. The need -- "He needeth." "Our daily bread," our daily need! What a great truth is here suggested! We are creatures of need. We are so dependent upon Him who has ample supply to meet all our need. Thank God.
4. The comprehensiveness -- "As many as he needeth." Think of your need on every line, and here is the promise, "As many as he needeth." "My God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus."
5. The assurance -- "It shall be given." God's "shalls" are sufficient. Bless His name!
6. The promise -- It is on the basis of Father hood. "If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone?" Earthly parents are anxious to give to their children, according to their ability to give, and according to Christian principles. How much more our heavenly Father!
7. The purpose -- "Ask and receive that your joy may be full." The fullness of joy! "In nothing be anxious but in everything pray," and what is the result? "The peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds." The purpose, our joy full and peace of heart and mind!