Essex Remembrancer Luke 18:1-8 And he spoke a parable to them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;… I. THE NATURE OF PRAYER. 1. An expression of our sense of God's infinite superiority. 2. An expression of our dependence upon God. 3. A declaration of our obligation to God. 4. A declaration of our faith in God's ability to grant us anything our circumstances may require. There are several things necessary to constitute true prayer, and which form its constituent parts. (1) Faith is one essential. (2) Sincerity is another ingredient in true prayer. (3) Humility. II. We notice THE DUTY OF PRAYER. Prayer is a duty, if we consider it — 1. As a Divine injunction. 2. It appears a duty, if we consider God as a prayer-hearing God. 3. It is a duty, if we consider the beneficial effects of prayer. (1) Prayer brings great benefits to ourselves. It brings us into closer communion with Christ. (2) Prayer is a powerful antidote to, and one of the most effectual safeguards against, worldly-mindedness. (3) By prayer we get divinely enlightened. (4) Prayer brings with it advancement in personal holiness. (5) Prayer is a powerful stimulant to every Christian grace. He who lives in the habitual exercise of sincere and earnest prayer cannot remain in a lukewarm, inactive, lethargic state. (Essex Remembrancer.) Parallel Verses KJV: And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;WEB: He also spoke a parable to them that they must always pray, and not give up, |
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