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3 . Confession and Prayer. She confessed fully the awful condition that her little daughter was in. Nature would prompt her to conceal, or at least to min imize, the worst features o f the case; but grace led her to make full confession. Some people treat Jesus as they dp their doctor in this regard. She did not tell Jesus any thing that He did not already know. It was not for His benefit but for her own that she had to reveal the true condition o f things. No one is in the place where help can be given safely until all false pride and useless concealment are put away. This Gentile woman not only realized her need, but willingly confessed it to the Lord. If we would find deliverance, we must do just the same. See 1 John 1 :9. 4 . Humility and Prayer. Her humility was seen in her confessing her need; but it was seen also in some other striking ways. She fell at His feet —a suppliant’s attitude. She prayed for mercy—not justice; for favor, not for right (Matt. 15:22)., When Jesus, telling her, called the Jews “children” and the Gentiles “ dogs” she did not resent it; but cheerfully took the place o f a “ dog” and begged for a “ dog’s” portion of .stray crumbs which the children had let fall from their abundance upon the ground. So we, too, must come as beggars having no “ rights,” but asking favors. “ Nothing in my hand I bring; Simply to Thy cross I cling; Naked, come to Thee for dress; Helpless, look to Thee for grace; Foul, I to the fountain fly; Wash me, Saviour, or I die.” 5 . Definiteness and Prayer. She desired just one thing and that she stated plainly—that the demon be cast out of her little daughter. Saying words is not necessarily praying. “Were half the breath thus vainly spent, To Heaven in supplica tion sent, Our cheerful song would oftener be, Hear what the Lord hath done for m e!” We need to “get down to business” in prayer. “Ask and it shall be given you ,” 1 Matt. 7 :7; “ Ye have not because ye ask not,” James 4:2. Some people pray like they
go “ shopping,” with no intention o f bring ing home anything, but just because it is the thing to dp to keep in style with the others. Ask the clerk behind the counter if he can tell a “buyer” from a “shopper.” 6 . Persistence and Prayer. How many o f us could have held on in spite o f the Master’s apparent heedless ness, the disdiples openly expressed annoy ance, and last o f all the Master’s discour aging answer when He did pay attention to her cry? This woman wanted something done that Jesus, and Jesus only, could do, and nothing could turn her aside fi;om her holy purpose. And Jesus likes that sort of praying. Recall Jacob at Peniel (Gen. 32:36), and Elijah on Mount Carmel (1 Kings 18:41-44), and the friend at mid night (Luke 11:5-13), and the importunate widow (Luke 18:1-8), and remember that the last two, are our Lord’s own illustra tions o f persistent praying. How many o f Us imitate Abraham (Gen. 18:32) rather than Jacob! 7 . Triumphant Prayer. Commending her faith, Jesus granted her prayer. Returning home, for she took Him at His word, she found her wee girl lying quietly upon her bed, and somehow I can not help thinking that she was enjoying a quiet sleep—probably the first in many days. The mother-importunity had obtained its desire. When we fulfil the conditions we, too, shall triumph in prayer. And the conditions revealed in this incident are: A deep realization o f our need; faith in the power and the willingness of the Lord Jesus to help us; confession o f the actual state o f things; humility o f heart; definite ness as to what we want; and persistence in asking that will not be turned aside by apparent difficulties. What changes would be wrought if Christian men and women would learn to pray as did this woman! How our Lord is hindered in His giving by our poor ask ing. His delays are not denials but prov ings.
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