1. The New Testament abounds in convincing proofs of the power of prayer. Almost all the great events recorded in its sacred pages stand connected with prayer.
1. The baptism and anointing of our blessed Lord are presented, in immediate connection with prayer. “Now, when all the people were baptized, it came to pass, that Jesus also being baptized, and praying, the heaven was opened, and the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him, and a voice came from heaven, which said, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased.” (Luke 3:21, 2221Now when all the people were baptized, it came to pass, that Jesus also being baptized, and praying, the heaven was opened, 22And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him, and a voice came from heaven, which said, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased. (Luke 3:21‑22).) What a scene! The divine, the heavenly, the perfect Man, down here, on this earth, in the place of dependence, the attitude of prayer; and, then, the opened heaven and the descending Spirit, together with heaven’s audible expression of delight in that blessed One who had just come up out of the waters of Jordan, to take His place as a dependent, self-emptied, prayerful Man, on this earth! Truly, this was a scene into which angels might well desire to look.
2. The glorious event of the transfiguration is presented to us in connection with prayer. “It came to pass about an eight days after these sayings, he took Peter and John and James, and went up into a mountain to pray. And as he prayed, the fashion of his countenance was altered, and his raiment was white and glistening.” (Luke 9:28, 2928And it came to pass about an eight days after these sayings, he took Peter and John and James, and went up into a mountain to pray. 29And as he prayed, the fashion of his countenance was altered, and his raiment was white and glistering. (Luke 9:28‑29).) Now, it is not said that “he went up into a mountain to be transfigured.” No; but “he went up into a mountain pray.” It was to pour out His soul in prayer that the blessed One ascended to the solitary mount. And, be it carefully noted, by the Christian reader, that the solitary mount of prayer became “the holy mount” of transfiguration, where the glorious majesty of the emptied, humbled, praying Man was displayed, and where “he received from God the Father, honor and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” (2 Pet. 1:1717For he received from God the Father honor and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. (2 Peter 1:17).)
3. The appointment of the twelve apostles is recorded in connection with prayer. “And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God. And when it was day, he called unto him his disciples. And of them he chose twelve, whom also he named apostles.” (Luke 6:12; 1312And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God. (Luke 6:12)
12And when Jesus saw her, he called her to him, and said unto her, Woman, thou art loosed from thine infirmity. (Luke 13:12)) The mission of those who were to carry the glad tidings of the kingdom throughout the cities and villages of the land of Israel, was a matter of solemn moment, and the Lord Jesus, though being “God over all, blessed forever,” yet having taken the place of a truly dependent Man, spent a whole night in prayer to God, with special reference, doubtless, to the appointment, mission, and ministry of those twelve messengers. He did everything in absolute dependence upon God. He thought, spoke, and acted, in the atmosphere of prayer. What a lesson for us! He is our great Exemplar. In this, as in all besides, “He left us an example, that we should follow his steps.” (1 Pet. 2:2121For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: (1 Peter 2:21).)
4. When, by the fall of Judas Iscariot, a breach was made in the number of the twelve, that breach was filled up in immediate connection with prayer. “And they appointed two, Joseph called Barsabbas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias. And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all, show whether of these two thou hast chosen.” (Acts 1:23, 2423And they appointed two, Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias. 24And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, show whether of these two thou hast chosen, (Acts 1:23‑24).) The One who had originally appointed the twelve, knew all about the breach, why it was made, and how to fill it up. Dependence upon Him is our true place. It is thus alone we get wisdom and strength. We can never fail, never falter, never err, never wander, never come short, never get ensnared, if only we abide in the holy attitude of self-emptied dependence.
5. The descent of the Holy Ghost, on the day of Pentecost, is presented in immediate connection with prayer. “These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.” “And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.” (Acts 1:1414These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren. (Acts 1:14). 2:1.) The disciples were in the attitude of united waiting upon God, when the Holy Ghost came down in Pentecostal power; and, afterward, the mighty and overawing manifestation of His presence stands connected, immediately, with prayer. “And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were ail filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.” (Acts 4:3131And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness. (Acts 4:31).)
6. When persecution raged against the Church of God, and the enemy had rudely laid his hand upon one of the pillars, the disciples betook themselves to their well-known, oft-proved stronghold. “Peter therefore was kept in prison, but prayer was made without ceasing (or instant and earnest prayer was made) of the church unto God for him.” (Acts 12:55Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him. (Acts 12:5).) What was the result? Just what it must ever be, when faith pours its need into the ear of Omnipotence, “And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison; and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands.... When they were passed the first and the second ward, they came unto the iron gate that leadeth unto the city, which opened to them of his own accord; and they went out, and passed on through one street; and forthwith the angel departed from him.” What were iron chains or iron gates to Him who made the world? Just nothing. He could have laid Herod’s prison in ruins in a moment, and brought His servant forth, in answer to the prayer of faith.
7. Finally, the mission of Paul and Barnabas to the Gentiles is presented to us in connection with prayer. “And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them forth.” (Acts 13:33And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away. (Acts 13:3).) What was the result? When these honored servants of Christ returned to the church by whose prayers they had been commended to God, “they rehearsed all that God had done with them, and how he had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles.” (Acts 14:2727And when they were come, and had gathered the church together, they rehearsed all that God had done with them, and how he had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles. (Acts 14:27).)
2. Thus, from the gospel of Luke, and the Acts of the apostles, we have deduced seven striking examples of the importance, the prominence, and the mighty power of prayer. We shall now bring forward a number of encouragements and exhortations to engage in that holy exercise.
1. “Again I say unto you, that if two of you shall agree on earth as touching anything that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven.” (Matt. 28:1919Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: (Matthew 28:19).) What an encouragement is here. Even two disciples—the smallest plurality, agreeing together to pray, can get anything they ask for! Amazing truth! Do we believe it? Do we avail ourselves of it?
2. “And all things whatsoever ye shall ask, in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.” (Matt. 21:2222And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive. (Matthew 21:22).) Here again, we have unlimited resources placed at the disposal of believing prayer. The simple prayer of faith can get us “all things.” Do we believe this? Do we avail ourselves of it?
3. “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.” (Luke 11:9, 109And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. 10For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. (Luke 11:9‑10)) What ample encouragement is here! Do we believe it? Do we avail ourselves of it?
4. “And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask anything in my name I will do it.” (John 14:13, 1413And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it. (John 14:13‑14).) “Verily, verily, I say unto you, whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you. Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, find ye shall receive that your joy may be full.” (John 16:23, 2423And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you. 24Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full. (John 16:23‑24)) Could we desire aught beyond this? Faith, using the name of Jesus, is assured of getting “whatsoever” it asks. O, reader, do we believe this? Do we avail ourselves of it?
5. “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.” (Eph. 6:1818Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; (Ephesians 6:18).) The man who has on “the whole armor of God” will be able to pray “for all saints.” Such an one will not be occupied so much about himself as about others. He will think about the people of God and the work of God.
6. “Be careful 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 your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 4:6, 76Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6‑7).) Here, one’s own need and difficulty are fully provided for. Believing prayer is the unfailing resource, in everything.
7. “Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving; withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds.” (Col. 4:2, 32Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving; 3Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds: (Colossians 4:2‑3).) “Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you: and that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all have not faith.” (2 Thess. 3:1, 21Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you: 2And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith. (2 Thessalonians 3:1‑2).) In these quotations, the progress of the gospel is more especially pressed upon the faithful, as a proper subject of earnest prayer and intercession.
Having, thus, placed before the reader so many examples of the importance, the prominence, and the power of prayer; and also having furnished him with so many encouragements and exhortations to engage in this most hallowed exercise, we shall, now, close with a precious clause from the epistle of James, namely, “let him ask in faith, nothing wavering.”
My God! is any hour so sweet,
From blush of morn to evening star,
As that which calls me to Thy feet—
The hour of prayer.
Blest is that tranquil hour of morn,
And blest that hour of solemn eve,
When, on the wings of faith up-borne,
The world I leave.
For then a day-spring shines on me,
Brighter than morn’s ethereal glow;
And richer dews descend from
Thee Than earth can know.
Lord, till I reach that blissful shore,
No privilege so dear shall be,
As thus my inmost soul to pour
In prayer to Thee.