[February 26th, 1857.]
I. The observance of a day of this kind has the sanction of the word of God. Numerous examples of the people meeting for prayer are recorded, as among the exiles in Babylon, on their return to the holy city, among the apostles. Numerous exhortations and commands to observe such meetings are found in the Law and in the Prophets. What the word of God sanctions, our nature dictates. When a common necessity presses, or a common desire impels, men will unite; parents for children, children for parents; the family, the college, the Church, the whole body of the faithful. The law of our social nature demands communion in religion as in other things. The sanction of God’s dispensations, as well as of his word and of our nature, shows the value of such seasons of special prayer.
II. But these days may be abused. If they do not do good, they do harm. We know how it is when we draw near to God only with our lips; and we know, I trust, what it is when we are really admitted to his presence. When we behold his glory, are assured of his love, and receive the communications of his Spirit, then our strength is renewed, the intellect is enlightened, the heart enlarged, faith and every grace enthroned, and a holy peace and elevation above the world fill the mind. These are the subjective effects; but they never come alone. If God revives his people, it is that he may communicate life through them to others. It is of vast importance, therefore, to ourselves and others, that we should really draw near to God in an effectual manner.
III. How is this to be done? What are the requisites?
-
Humility. We cannot be filled with God, unless emptied of ourselves. We must come with the conviction of sin and unworthiness, with the conviction also of our helplessness, our complete and absolute dependence on God; and, still further, with the conviction that it would be perfectly just in him to refuse us access to himself or to grant our requests.
-
Faith. This includes a great deal.
1st. Faith in the efficacy of prayer. The reasons why men doubt it are various. But we have proof of its efficacy from Scripture, from the constitution of our nature, and from experience. 2d. Faith in God as reconciled and willing to hear prayer. 3d. Faith in his promise to give what we ask in accordance with his will, that is, what is right, is for his glory and our good. 4th. Faith in Christ as the Son of God, as High Priest, as having passed into heaven, and as effectually interceding for us.
- Desire for the blessings sought. This includes, 1st. A sense of their importance. 2d. A longing for them which leads to importunity and constancy, which takes no denial.
In the present case these blessings are the conversion of our youth, and their preparation for usefulness. On this depends under God, (a.) Their salvation as individuals. (b.) The interests of the institutions with which they are connected. (c.) The interests of the Church. (d.) The interests of the world; the accomplishment, in short, of the work of redemption.
- The purpose to live in accordance with our prayers; that is, to live as if we felt the importance of the blessings sought, so that we shall continue to pray for them, and also to labor for them.
← 196. Intercessory Prayer · Contents · 198. Meditation as a Means of Grace →