what from the prayer in Matthew. There has been a wide difference of opinion as to whether this prayer was intended to be used as a form of prayer or a model; whether the words were to be repeated exactly as given or whether the words constituted the great prin- ciple of prayer. If the words are to be used should we add the doxology— " F o r Thine is the Kingdom," etc.— which are now omitted in the revised version, and if so, would that be add- ing to the Word of God? At a, later date the Lord said, "Hitherto ye have asked nothing in My n ame" (Jno. 16: 24). Paul says in Rom. 8:26-27, " We know not what to pray for as we ought but the Spirit maketh intercession for u s . " This prayer is very precious, as is all else that fell from the lips of our blessed Lord. It is divine. For sin- cerity, simplicity and fullness it is in- comparable. The order of development and the proportions are all perfect. The prayer is addressed to Father. This introduces a new relationship to men, hitherto unknown. í h e old dis- pensation revealed Him as the ' ' Al- mighty, Most High, J e h o v a h ;" names suggesting His supreme power and al- mightiness, but the term Father reveals the heart of God. Father is a new re- lationship made possible by the coming of the Son. Nationally God had related Himself to Israel as Father (Ex. 4:22), but by reason of their sin, they were not now God's people (Hos. 1:9). They were the outcast nation, to be brought back again in a future age (Hos. 1:10). He is Father to those who are pure in heart and who are peacemakers, which implies relationship by a new birth. Those who receive the Son (Jno. 1:12) become the children of God (Jno. 1:13). The Fatherhood of God and the brother- hood of man is often used in a very unscriptural and misleading manner. God can never acknowledge the name of Father from any one who fails to acknowledge His beloved Son as Sa- viour, Sin Bearer and Sin Purger. Sin Bearer and Sin Purger. Hallowed Be Thy Name —Sacred, holy, Name! . The name stands for the person, the character. When we are told "Whatsoever ye shall ask in My Name ," it does not mean merely the use of the words Lord Jesus, but the recognition of Him and His character and of the fact that there can be no denial when His Name is used. So Father is a hallowed Name and stands for all of holiness, justice, truth, power,
God. To the Spirit-filled be'iëver the suggestion of eloquent praying is of- fensive. If our prayers are framed to fit the form demanded by people how objectionable they must be to God. Public prayers should be divested of all effort to make them appear beautiful— they should be definite; they should be the outflowing of a heart in eommunion with the Lord. Simplicity. Publie prayers should be simple and direct. As a child talks with the father, so should we talk with our heavenly Father. In language easy to be under- stood and with faith that is child-like, we should come with holy boldness to ask what he will. Short. We are not heard for our much speaking—but for our plain speaking! For the most part, public prayers should be short. Thé long prayer in the ehureh service could be advantageously revised. They tend to verbosity and become perfunctory. Here comes the danger of vain repe- tition—babbling as do the heathen— " O Baal, B a a l" (1 KiDgs 18:26), and "Great is D i a n a" (Acts 19:34). Better have a heart without words than words without heart. Spiritual. Prayer is devotional and should at all times be reverential. While God is our Father and we are His children, we must remember that He is alsjo God, .the mighty Jehovah, the holy One, before whom all the hosts of heaven bow, and our attitude should be one of worship. We need to cultivate the spirit of reverence. There is a strong drift toward flippancy in our services and an unnecessary use of the name of our _ Lord -Tesu
Made with FlippingBook - Online Brochure Maker