Thoughts On Prayer

by JAS. MARTIN | Category: General | Apr 1961

Within a few days of the receiving of this issue of the Needed Truth magazine, many of our readers will be engaged in an intensive week of earnest prayer, in fellowship with others (D.V.). How timely it is to be reminded of the precious words of the Lord Jesus !All things 'whatsoever ye pray and ask for, believe that ye have received them, and ye shall have them. And whensoever ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any one" (Mark ii. 24, 25).

In this matter of prayer we would draw attention to a few words used by the blessed Holy Spirit, through the apostle Paul, to convey to our minds somewhat of the meaning of prayer. Please read 1 Timothy 2.1, 2, 8, and Philippians 4.6, .7, as a basis for consideration. In submitting the meaning of the words used in defining prayer, it is with the hope that a deeper appreciation of the subject may be attained, and will be manifested in the condition of our hearts, the manner of our lives and the faithfulness of our devotion to the will of our God, as otherwise a knowledge of the meaning of the words is in vain.

Supplication. (Greek, deesis).

Although this Greek word is not exclusively a religious word, for it can be used for a " supplication " to man or to God, yet it is always addressed to God in the New Testament, and in the Revised Version is consistently translated "supplication." The fundamental idea behind the word is a " sense of need." In this state of want we should approach God. We realize our own inability to meet our needs, physical and especially spiritual, and so there arises the desire to make our supplications known to One who can meet our need. We came to Him as needy sinners, we still need to come to Him as needy saints.

"Let not conscience make you linger, nor of fitness fondly dream, All the fitness He requireth is to feel your need of Him."

Even the English word "supplication," derivatively meaning a "folding under," gives the true idea of humility in our requests.

Prayer. (Greek, proseuche).

This Greek word is the word most frequently used in the New Testament, to express the general meaning of prayer. It differs from deesis in that it is never used for approach to other than to God. There are so many of our needs that can be met by our God alone, and only to Him should they be brought. Forgiveness, assurance and strength come from Him.

"Beyond our utmost wants His love and power can bless;

To praying souls He always grants more than they can express."

Our weakness may lie in the fact that we take some of our needs to the wrong source of supply.

Intercession. (Greek, enteuxis).

The English translation, "intercession," has the derivative meaning of "coming between." The original Greek word has an interesting history. The noun is derived from a verb meaning, firstly, "to meet or fall in with a person," then, "to have intimate conversation with him," and then, "to enter a governor's or king's presence to submit a petition." Thus, finally, the word was applied to a "petition to a monarch." Well might the apostle Paul encourage the Hebrew saints thus!

"Let us therefore draw near 'with boldness unto the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy, and find grace to help us in time of need"

(Hebrews 4.16).

Intercession " implies that we have free access to the King of kings, and, oh wondrous grace, we can hold intimate discourse with Him on an unlimited scope of matters that affect ourselves and others, and so present our pleas ! Intercession is mainly on behalf of others.

Thanksgiving. (Greek, eucharistia, eu = well, charizonai = to give freely).

How often we fail here! How soon we forget to return and give thanks! "Thanksgiving" is an integral part of prayer. It is indeed a great privilege that we have to present our supplications, and to make our intercessions, and to offer our prayers, but it is our bounden duty to give thanks. Thanksgiving tends to dispel anxiety and worry, and closes the mouth of the murmerer.

"Have you no 'words? Ah think again,

Words flow apace when you complain,

And fill your fellow creature's ear

With the sad tales of all your care

Were half the breath thus vainly spent,

To heaven in supplication sent,

Your cheerful song would oftener be,

'Hear what the Lord has done for me.'"

"Rejoice in the Lord alway: again I will say, Rejoice.... The Lord is at hand. In NOTHING be anxious; but in EVERYTHING by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests (Greek, aitema what one asks) be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall guard your hearts and thoughts in Christ Jesus."

JAS. MARTIN | Apr 1961
General