Prayer unto Almighty God in JESUS' Name

"Behold, he prayeth..." -Acts 9:11 [KJV]

In many trades, it is customary to shew samples or patterns. By these men judge of the goodness or quality of the whole. St. Paul sets himself forth as a sample, or pattern, of the free, distinguishing, sovereign, unmerited grace of God, that we should judge of its nature by its efficacy upon him. I obtained mercy, for this cause, that in me first (a first-rate sinner) Jesus Christ may shew forth His all long suffering, for a pattern to them who should hereafter believe on Him to life everlasting, (see I Timothy 1:16.) Thou hast seen this pattern of free grace. What dost thou think of it? The whole is alike with the pattern. It cometh alike upon elect sinners. It finds no more prerequisites, fitness, qualifications, or conditions in any, than it did in St. Paul. 

Whenever it takes place upon any, it produceth the same effects as it did in him. Grace and mercy from Jesus, makes Saul pray to Jesus. There is the emphasis. This is the main point. “Behold, he prayeth!” To whom? Doubtless he had prayed much and often, while he remained an unconverted Pharisee. But it was to an unknown God. He knew there was a God. He knew it was his duty to pray to Him. But he knew Him not. But now, Jesus speaks to him. God manifests Himself to him in Christ. Therefore, behold, take special notice of this. “Behold he prayeth,” to Jesus: to God in Christ. He no longer durst come before God in his own name, nor expect access to, and acceptance with Him, on account of his own sincerity, works of righteousness, etc.; but in the name, blood, and righteousness of the Son of God ONLY, so he prayed, so he evidenced his conversion to Jesus.

Hence, the true Spirit of prayer manifested itself in him. His prayers were agreeable to, and sprung from his knowledge of himself as a guilty sinner, and faith in the Son of God as the only Saviour. This is the prayer which God delights in, takes special notice of, and refers to as an evidence of true conversion. Hence know, prayerless souls are Christless. Prayer, without the knowledge of Christ, faith in Him, hope of eternal life by Him, and acceptance through Him, is only service, and formal duty. 

But, the spirit of prayer arises in the heart, from a discovery of God in Christ—the knowledge of Him, by believing His word of grace and truth, and expecting His mercy and salvation, according to His great and precious promises given in Christ. Dost thou pray thus? Then it may truly be said of thee, Behold thou art converted. Thy prayers evidence it. The God Who heareth prayer, hath manifested Himself to thee, as He doth not unto the world. 

 

We cannot pray when we are dead, 

Because we feel no want: 

But when we seek God’s gracious aid, 

In mercy He doth grant.

 

-preacher Wm. Mason (1724-1797 A.D.)

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