Basic HTML Version
Blessings for Those Who Ask, May 3
Ye have not, because ye ask not.
James 4:2
.
The grace of Christ we cannot do without. We must have help from
above if we resist the manifold temptations of Satan, and escape his
devices. Amid the prevailing darkness, we must have light from God to
reveal the traps and gins of error, or we shall be ensnared. We should
improve the opportunity for prayer, both in secret and around the family
altar. Many need to learn how to pray.... When we in humility tell the
Lord our wants, the Spirit itself makes intercession for us; as our sense
of need causes us to lay bare our souls before the all-searching eye of
Omnipotence, our earnest, fervent prayers enter within the vail, our faith
claims the promises of God, and help comes to us....
Prayer is both a duty and a privilege. We must have help which God
alone can give, and that help will not come unasked. If we are too self-
righteous to feel our need of help from God, we shall not have His help
when we need it most. If we are too independent and self-sufficient to
throw ourselves daily by earnest prayer upon the merits of a crucified and
risen Saviour, we shall be left subject to Satan’s temptations.... Earnest,
sincere ... prayer would bring strength and grace to resist the powers of
darkness. God wants to bless. He is more willing to give the Holy Spirit
to them that ask Him than are parents to give good gifts to their children.
But many do not feel their need. They do not realize that they can do
nothing without the help of Jesus....
I have been shown angels of God all ready to impart grace and power
to those who feel their need of divine strength. But these heavenly mes-
sengers will not bestow blessings unless solicited. They have waited for
the cry from souls hungering and thirsting for the blessing of God; often
have they waited in vain. There were, indeed, casual prayers, but not the
earnest supplication from humble, contrite hearts....
Those who would receive the blessing of the Lord, must themselves
prepare the way, by confession of sin, by humiliation before God, with
true penitence, and with faith in the merits of the blood of Christ.
[130]
134