Prayer.
What is true of Christ is true, in a sense, of his people. Here we learn—
I. THE TRUE NATURE OF PRAYER. It is the desire of the heart (Psalms 21:2). This is frequently taught by doctrine and fact in Holy Scripture. Words are of the mouth, thoughts are of the heart. "Words without thoughts never to heaven go." It is asking of God for things agreeable to his will. While there is real "asking," there is also loving trust and acquiescence. God' s will is aye the best will.
II. SOME LIGHT AS TO THE MANNER IN WHICH GoD ANSWERS PRAYER.
1. By giving what is good. "Life."
2. In a higher sense than we thought of. "For ever."
3. In such a way as shall be for the greatest benefit to others as well as to ourselves. "Blessings"
(cf. Paul, "more needful for you," Philippians 1:24). Hence faith is confirmed. Our hopes as to the future are sustained. Our hearts are soothed amidst the disappointments and trials of life, by the assurance that all is well. We ask "life" for ourselves; and God gives what he sees best. We ask "life" for our friends. Some child or loved one is in peril of death. We plead for him. We entreat that he may be spared. We continue with "strong crying and tears" to pray that his life, so precious and so dear, may be prolonged. But in vain. He dies. We are troubled. We mourn in bitterness of soul, as if God had forgotten to be gracious. But when we look at things aright, we find comfort. God has answered us in his own way. He knows what is best. Your little one has gone quickly to heaven. Your darling boy has been taken to a nobler field of service than earth. The "desire of your eyes" has been caught up into the glory of God. There they await us. Love never faileth. The fellowship in Christ endures for ever.—W.F.
HOMILIES BY C. SHORT