The Brinkley argus., 1918-07-19
LESSON FOR JULY 21
PRAYING TO GOD.

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 4:16
 DEVOTIONAL READING-Luke 11:5-13
 ADDITIONAL MATERIAL FOR TEACHERSLPsalms 37:4-5; Matthew 77- Il: II Corinthians 12:s-s; James 4:s-S.
 PRIMARY MEMORY VERSE-Jehovah is nigh unto all them that call upon him. -Psalms 145:1S.
 STORY MATERIAL-Matthew 14:z-2o; Acts H1-12
 INTERMEDIATE, SENIOR AND ADULT TOPIC-Why and how to pray and the results.
 Prayer ought to be matter of great concern to every believer (Psalms 145: 1S).
 Prayer is a matter but little under stood by Christians; In fact. only as divine aid is 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 1:D. We nowhere read of them asking him to teach them how to preach. Praying is more important 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:
 |. The Right Relationship of the One Praying Uuke II p.
 1. FiliaI-"Father."
 In order to pray to God, the SUD- plIant must be child of God. God Is 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. It 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 na- ture and interests. Even in our se- cret prayer we should address him as Our Father, which is recognition of the interests of others. alongside of ours.
 II. The Right Altitude in Prayer Uuke II 9. l. Reverent adoratiOn. As children We have certain priv ileees. and yet holy reverence becomes | us. We should hallow his namf; we should adore him as the eternal God. 1 2 Loyalty. When praying to God we should come with the spirit of loyalty which cries out 'Thy kingdom come" 3. Submisslon-"Thy will be done" We should have no will of our own regarding the rule of God. We should let him direct us in all things. III. The Right Spirit Nuke Il :3-S) 1. Dependent Falth-"Glve us our daily bread" (y. 3.
 We should realize that not only
  to enjoy because of him, and that he is able to do for us exceedingly abun- dantly above all that we ask or think. 2. Penltence an Love-"Forglve us our debts" (v. 9.
 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" (v. D.
 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.
 1. Intercessory (yv. :, @.
 The man who asked for bread did not ask for himself. but for friend. Prayer which pleases God is unselfish in It's requests.
 5. Perseverance (vv. ', 8.
 Prayer which pleases God and gets results Is importunate, perseveres un- till the object Is achieved.
 W. Encouragement to Pray Uuke II :9-12).
 1. Gods promise fvv. 9, 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 it shall be opened.
 ?. The example of an earthly fa- ther (vy. 11-13).
 No father will give a stone to his son who asketh for bread, or a serpent instead of a fish, nor a scorpion in- stead of an egg. God is infinitely more willing to answer the prayers of his children than earthly parents are to give good gifts to their chil- dren.
 V. The True Goal of All Prayer (Luke Il :13).