Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1942-08-06

Prayer has been the subject Of
4 thousands of books of sermons with
out end; yet how little it is actually
practiced. Conferences are held to
discuss it, and they attract large
audiences, but at prayer meetings
we find only handful.
We. are sure that prayer changes
things" and we agree that it is the
most powerful force at mans dis
posal. but we go right ahead trying
to change things in our own strength
10 what peace we often forfeit,
III o what needless pain we bear.
All because we do not carry
Everything to God in prayer!"
Our lesson from the life Of Abra-
ham stresses one important phase of
prayer-prayer for others.
n L. The Nature fnOf Intercessery
Prayer h4ofer. s
We speak Of the burden Of prayer,
but let us also recall that it is
privilege Abraham had been hon.
ored by a visit from the Lord The
covenant had been renewed and
son promised Gen. 18:1-10 Then
the Lord, because of His friendship
with Abraham, shared with him w.
~ His purpose of judgment on
wicked Sodom and Gomorrah
How glorious to be on such init
mate terms with God-to know Him
and to know His plans and purposes.
Would you enjoy having such fell
lowship? You may through Jesu
Christ and through the study o
Gods holy Word casa So spii
g. 1t Is a Duty. .a5 Eo
Privilege brings corresponding re-
sponsibility. The two men went
toward Sodom. but Abraham sto6i
yet before the Lord " 22),
pray for the wicked cities.
Those who know Gods plans a
to share them in prayer Tho
who have audience with the .KingN
Kings are those to carry the blessed
burden of prayer for others as vel
as for themselves.
Are we praying for oul natioz
for its President and leaders,;
our city. for our church, our faffliV
lies. our children, our friends? The
deeper the need, the greater the
wickedness, the more we need Il
pray. If we as Christians do no
pray, who will pray? 2 t0W sbH
1t Is Reality eyyiyfsl
Some modern religious leade
would take all reality out of pra
by making 1t sort of spiritual
ercise which operates only on
soul of the one who prays, givi
him new strength and a sense
well being Undoubtedly the
fellowship with God which is inl1
ent in true prayer 0 is spiritua
beneficial; but prayer is objectiy
not merely subjective 1t deals wi
nations and cities. men and wonel
problems and sin and sorrow. Il
concerns every need Of man--phys-
ical mental and spiritual aaf
II. The Spirit Of Intercessory
Prayer. -oh s f..
l. Unselfsh.
Abraham had the assured bless
ing and promises of God The citi
were wicked and unrepentant.s
he had taken the attitude Of mar
church folk. he would have said. :
serves them right Wipe out the
wickedness." But Abraham prayi
for them in complete unselfshne
Can those who know the spirit
Christ be selfish in prayer?
2. Bold and Courageous.
Note the reverent holiness W
which Abraham pleaded the cal
of the cities. God is not displea
to have us press our cause
prayer; in fact, the Bible reveala
that He frequently answers accW
ing to the earnestness with wi
men pray. He has always homo
and used men of holy courage.
g. Persistent. 4lE sgt9gktgt
No one--not even God---likesI
gutter" Remember those
were heard for their importuni a!
luke 1l:8; 1919. Many pray like
the little boys on Halloween They
ring the bell and run. 4ge
Abraham persisted; fifty, forty
Ave, forty. thirty, twenty. TEMPER
! udpS aollOulO ilOt nave SlUHf5t.
even there. God who saw his pc
sistent faith went the rest Of tn
way and saved the only four VIII
could be saved, and even Of those
three were infected with the wicked
ness of the place.
Let us not be weary in well do
ing as we pray. for in due season
we shall reap. If we faint mott
Gal. 500.
III. The Result Of microscopy
Prayer,
God had to destroy the cities.
There are some kinds Of violent
infection which must be destroyed by
fire for the sake Of others Out Of
the destruction, however, God did,
deliver the righteous Lot
God hears and answers prayer
That is not only the testimony
His Word. but Of countless Chris
tan men and women down throug