No. 3
IT is very interesting to notice the prominence given to prayer by the Holy Ghost in the Epistles. The immense importance of prayer, its simple, definite, and direct character, and the blessed results to be expected, are alike strikingly set forth.
In the first chapter of Romans, Paul not only speaks of mentioning them always in his prayers, but that he definitely made this request, that he might by the will of God, be made a blessing and a comfort to them, and be comforted also by their faith (v. 10-12.) In the fifteenth chapter, he beseeches them for the Lord Jesus' sake to pray also that he might come unto them by the will of God, and may with them be refreshed; and he also desires that they may be so earnest, as to strive together with him in prayer for two other things, which are most distinctly and definitely named, viz., that he might be delivered from the unbelievers in Judea, and that his service which he had for Jerusalem might be accepted by the saints (v. 30-32.)
In the first epistle to the Corinthians, we have little said as to prayer, further than it should be in the spirit and intelligent—"I will pray with the spirit, and with the understanding also;" the main object of the epistle being to correct the disorders of the assembly, and to give fresh instructions on the subject. It is true that saints giving themselves to prayer and fasting is enjoined to guard from the temptation of Satan—a most important principle.
In the second epistle to the Corinthians, the apostle again shews how much he valued the help of saints in prayer. "Ye also helping together by prayer for us." (ch. 1:11.) He prayed for them, "that they might do no evil." (13:7.)
In Galatians, we have nothing about prayer, the object of the Holy Ghost being to rebuke in the sternest way the attempts to undermine the gospel of the grace of God by adding something to it, thus giving the flesh importance, instead of holding to its entire judgment unto death in the cross of Christ— the crucifixion of the old man. It was not the place, therefore, to expect the subject of prayer to be introduced. Very different indeed is the epistle to the Ephesians, for he is there contemplating God in His grace, eternal counsels, and ways towards us, when dead in sins, in and through Christ Jesus. The sense of this upon his heart necessarily bowed him before the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ in prayer and thanksgiving for them. His prayer in the first chapter is that they might have the knowledge of God's grace and power toward them in Christ risen and ascended, as well as the hope of His calling.
In the third chapter, the contemplation of the unsearchable riches of Christ brought out in the mystery now made known, of the body the Church, so bowed him again before the Father, that he prays that, not according to His rich mercy, but according to the riches of His glory, they may be so strengthened by the Spirit as to so enjoy Christ that He may dwell in their hearts by faith, &c. At the close of the epistle when he thinks how Satan opposes the saints, and tries to hinder their standing in the new place God has brought them into in heavenly places in Christ, the apostle most earnestly urges the saints to habitual and continual dealing with God in prayer, and that not for themselves only but for every member of the body, and for the gospel too. Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; and for me that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, &c. (ch. 6:18, 19.)
In Philippians where the prominent subject' is devotedness, we might expect something, about prayer, and so there is. In chapter 1:4, Paul assures their hearts that he makes request for them with joy always and in every prayer; and in the 19th verse he counts also upon their prayers. He told them that he prayed de finitely for two things; 1St, "That their love may abound more and more in knowledge and in all judgment;" 2nd, "That they may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ, being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God." (v. 9-11.) In the fourth chapter, the saints are enjoined to pray about everything, as one of the necessary ways of enjoying the peace of God. So free is the child of God to feel in the presence of his heavenly Father, that he is to keep back nothing, but make known his requests to God. God does not say He will answer every request, but it is clearly His will that we should tell them out before God. "In everything (great matters, or very small, as we call them) by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known unto God." (ch. 4:6, 7.)