Sword & Trowel 2016: Issue 1 7
Prayer also delivers from self- interest and selfi shness, because it helps us to realise we cannot have and do whatever we like. Earthly aims and selfi sh things ‘stick in the gullet’ of a praying believer. The need to ask the Lord about every major thing we do or buy serves as a restraint upon our appetites. With- out prayer we might easily make carnal decisions, but we dare not ask God’s blessing upon excessive and self-vaunting things. Prayer therefore serves as a caution, and helps us to be better people. We know we must pray for others, and as we do so we become much more concerned about them than about ourselves. There- fore, by prayer, we are to a large extent delivered from the idol ‘self’.
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Prayer always builds up faith, as one’s memory bank of God’s
answers grows. At times the Lord delays his response until we pray re- peatedly and more earnestly, all this being a trust-strengthening process. The powerful evidence of answers in the past develops in us a tenacious trust that he will bless in his perfect way, in due time.
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Alongside faith, prayer produces assurance. Many times when feelings fail, the evidence of God’s fatherly goodness is derived from an- swered prayer. Nothing is so melting as great answers to prayer.
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Prayer, to a remarkable ex- tent, makes the believer aware
that he is never alone. We can pray whatever our circumstances, and wherever we are.
Prayer also is a great leveller, teaching us that not one of
God’s servants is greater in his sight than any other. Paul pleads for prayer as though his usefulness depended upon it – and it did. The people had a share in his ministry by prayer, remembering that as a needy mor- tal, he was like them. Knowing how much he depended on the prayers of others, Paul also was delivered from exalted views of himself.
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Prayer inevitably promotes re- pentance, because the very act
of approaching the Lord makes true believers ashamed of their sin, and moves them to seek cleansing.
From The Lord’s Pattern for Prayer, by Peter Masters, published by Wakeman Trust.
OVERSEAS MINISTRY FUND
Many of our readers have helped us support 20 overseas pastors, most of whom are the only teachers of the doctrines of grace in their region, and all of whom are fervent evangelists. Many also dispense compassionate aid such as the feeding of hungry children. The need for rudimentary buildings and other help grows. Readers moved to help may send gifts to: The Treasurer, Metropolitan Tabernacle, Elephant & Castle, London SE1 6SD. Please make cheques payable to ‘Metropolitan Tabernacle’, marked ‘Overseas Ministry Fund’ on reverse. Gift Aid forms will be sent on request. No deductions are made for
administration or ‘home expenses’, the fund being entirely deployed overseas. page 16 Remedies for Problems in Prayer
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