The Elbert County tribune., 1918-07-19
LESSON FOR JULY 2l
PRAYING TO GOD.

LESSON TExT-Psalms 145:1s 10, Luke
u:I-13.
GOLDEN TEXT-Let us therefore come
boldly unto the throne of grace. that we
may obtain mercy. and find grace TO help
In time of need.-Hebrews AIS.
DEVOTIONAL READING-Luke u:5-l3.
ADDITIONAL MATERIAL FOR
TEACHERS-Psalms 37:4-5. Matthew 7.7-
III II Corip.hians 1883: James 4:3-s.
PRIMARY MEMORY VERSE-Jehovah
Is nigh unto all them that call upon him.
Psalms 1873.
STORY NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS. H:23-25;
Acts 12:l-l2.
INTERMEDIATES. SENIOR AND
ADULT ToPIC-why and how to pray
and the results. a. -.
Prayer ought to be n matter of great
concern to every believer (Psalms 145:
1s).
Prayer is matter but little under
stood by Christians; in fact, only as
divine aid q given can we really pray.
The range of prayer is from the
depths of the soul to the very
thoughts of God. There was some
thing about the praying of Jesus that
so impressed the disciples that they
requested him to teach them to pray
Uuke IL ~. We nowhere read of
them asking him to teach them how
than preaching. No one is fit to teach
or preach who does not know how to
pray. May each one enroll at once
In the school of prayer with Christ as
our teacher. He is a most willing and
capable teacher. In response to the
disciples request he outlines the fol-
lowing principles of prayer:
I. The Right Relationship Of the One
Praying duke IL :2).
1. Fillal-"Father."
In order to pray to God, the sup
plant must be child of God. God
is a father; his gifts and blessings are
for his children. This relationship
can only be entered into through re-
generation. Not all men have right
to say, "Our Father" when address,
ing God. Only those who are children
of God by faith in Jesus Christ can
so address him. 1t Is not only profess
ing to be children but living like Gods
children. Children have rights and
privileges which are denied to others.
2. Fraternal-"Our Father"
God has more than one child. His
children are bound up together in ma
ture and interests. Even In our Sc
cret prayer we should address him as
Our Father, which is recognition OF
the interests of others, alongside of
ours.
n. The Right Attitude In Prayer
Uuke IL :2).
1. Reverent alteration.
As children we have certain priv
ileges. and yet holy reverence becomes
us. We should hallow his name; we
should adore him as the eternal God.
2. Loyalty.
When praying to God we should
come with the spirit of loyalty which
cries out "Thy kingdom come"
3. Enthusiastically Will be DONE"
We should have no will Of our own
regarding the rule of God. We should
Net him direct us in all things.
III. The Right Spirit Guke II :3-S)
1. Dependent Faith-"Give US our
daily bread" ". 81.
We should realize that not only
what we have. but life itself is ours
to enjoy because of him, and that he
is able to dc for us exceedingly abun-
dainty above all that we ask or think.
q Penitehce and Love-"Forglve US
our debts" ". 81.
We should come to him realizing
that we have sinned, and cry unto him
for forgiveness. Our hearts should
be so filled with love for others that
we will forgive those who sinned
against us as God is willing to for
give us.
3. Holiness and Caution-"Lead us
not Into temptation" ". ~.
Because we are Gods children and
realizing the depravity of our natures,
and the consequent tendency to prac-
tice that which displeases him. we
should shrink from that which. If IN
dulged In. would dishonor him.
4. Intercessory wv. 8, o..
The man who asked for bread did
not ask for himself, but for friend.
Prayer which pleases God is unselflsh
in its requests.
5. Perseverance wv. z, 81.
Prayer which pleases God and gets
results is importunate. perseveres un-
till the object is achieved.
~. encouragement to Pray Uuke
IL :9-12).
1. Gods promise wv. 0, 10).
True prayer cannot fail Of an an
swer. because God definitely promises
that every one that asketh receiveth,
he that seeketh findeth, and to him
that knocketh 1t shall be opened.
2. The example of an earthly IA
ther wv. 11-13).
No father will give stone to his
son who asketh for bread, or serpent
instead of fish. nor n scorpion in
stead of an egg. God Is Infinitely
more willing tn answer the nrnvera