Truth Magazine

By Ron Halbrook

The power of the printed page as a medium of gospel preaching can be seen in the religious journalism of Roy E. Cogdill. For almost sixty years, the articles he was constantly writing were read by sinners and saints who were willing to search the Scriptures. Many thousands of people yet continue to study his books and tracts which are still in print, and not a few of us have the joy of finding his articles preserved in journals. We are not to think of men above that which is written (1 Cor. 4:6), but we are to learn from them and to emulate them-in so far as they walk by faith (Heb. 11-12). There are many good things to learn and to emulate in the journalistic endeavors of brother Cogdill.

Preaching In Journals During The 1920s-30s

Roy E. Cogdill was born 24 April 1907 and began preaching 26 November 1922 at Hobart, Oklahoma, as a young man of fifteen. He began writing almost immediately in the Herald of Truth, edited by E.M. Borden from Oklahoma City, and later wrote in the Firm Foundation. Roy Cogdill held many gospel meetings “in the open air, with an ‘acre of people’ in attendance,” and consequently developed throat problems which suspended all public speaking. Foy E. Wallace, Jr. was editing the Gospel Advocate and appointed brother Cogdill to handle Texas subscriptions, which he did from an office in Dallas (Gospel Advocate, 30 Apr. 1931, p. 516). Many subs were raised. From 30 April through 26 November 1931 he wrote the “Texas News and Notes” column.

Religious journalism was, in Cogdill’s view, “simply another effective way of preaching the gospel.” He explained that brethren ought to read gospel papers:

I have always insisted that when people are able to take the daily papers and current magazines, in which they read so much that is not fit to read, they are doing wrong to say they cannot afford our good religious papers (Gospel Advocate, 30 Apr. 1931, p. 517).

His urgent desire to spread the gospel was expressed in these words:

The tendency in the past has been too much toward the establishing of a place of worship and limiting our efforts at preaching the gospel to that particular place. Even in some of our larger towns the gospel has never been preached outside of the building of worship . . . the work has not been given the opportunity it should have and God’s word has not been spread as it should be until every particular part and community of the town has been reached…. When people do not hunt out the church house and come to bear the gospel preached, we are not relieved of our responsibility for their souls; rather, we are bound to take the gospel into their homes (Gospel Advocate, 25 June 1931, p. 773).

After visiting Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where he had successful surgery on his throat, he was especially moved to urge brethren not to neglect the centers of great populations in preaching Christ. Since Paul went even to Athens, Corinth, and Rome, it is unthinkable that he would say of “our Northeastern cities . . . ‘Too wicked,’ ‘Too large,’ ‘Too many foreigners.'” We should not hesitate to go anywhere “scattering gospel literature and preaching on streets, in houses, from home to home, and elsewhere,” as we can find the opportunity. He concluded,

My brother, you need not worry about the right effort in spreading the gospel producing the proper results.

Countless millions wait the light whose dawning

Maketh all things new.

Christ also waits; but men are late.

Have we done what we could? Have I? Have you?

These lines ring in my ears over and over again since my visit to this city. Will we do what we can? (Gospel Advocate, 13 Aug. 1931, p. 997)

Foy E. Wallace, Jr. edited the Gospel Advocate during 1930-34, but was forced out on 5 April 1934 by personal financial problems and pressures from some prominent brethren who were displeased at his militant responses to premillennialists. The latter challenge was largely responsible for his publishing the original Gospel Guardian, a monthly which lived from October 1935 through June 1936. Never afraid to be counted when the bulwarks of truth faced attack, brother Cogdill contributed two excellent articles: “The Present Position of Jesus Christ” (Oct., 1935, p. 33) and “The First and Second Coming of Christ” (Feb., 1936, p. 27). Both were reprinted in the Guardian of Truth (15 April 1982, pp. 225, 249 and 1 July 1982, pp. 397-98). When the Gospel Guardian failed to continue because of Wallace’s financial woes, it was merged with Firm Foundation.

The Writer Becomes Printer, Publisher, And Editor

Subsequently, brother Wallace was moved to start the Bible Banner to meet premillennialism, institutionalism and centralization in the work of churches, worldliness, and others forms of compromise which threatened the spiritual health of God’s people. This paper ran as a monthly and sometime quarterly from July 1938 through April 1949. Cogdill’s articles appeared from time to time, including his material on “The Church and Worldliness” (Jan. and Feb. 1949, pp. 1-8 and 11-16 respectively). These articles reappeared in the Guardian of Truth (20 May and 3 June 1982, pp. 290-93, 308-11 and 325, 330).

The only time Roy officially edited a journal was when he started Ancient Landmarks, a subscription monthly devoted to first principles of the gospel. It was published in Houston beginning in March 1946. Roy soon moved to Lufkin and within a couple of years made Yater Tant editor. (Even after starting the Gospel Guardian, they continued publishing Ancient Landmarks as a first principles paper but finally merged the two after several years.) Roy had done some printing in a shed behind his house in Houston, but after moving to Lufkin in 1946, he bought a printing business and financed his religious publishing with commercial work. Beginning in March 1947, Cogdill took on the printing and publishing duties of the Bible Banner, and even many editorial duties although brother Wallace continued in the official capacity of editor.

In 1949 brother Wallace agreed for the Bible Banner to become the Gospel Guardian, with Yater Tant as editor and Roy Cogdill as owner. A weekly paper was needed to counter the growth of liberalism. The Firm Foundation gave permission for the Guardian’s name to be resurrected. The Cogdill Publishing Company owned the Gospel Guardian Company as a religious publishing arrangement until late 1962-early 1963 when Cogdill sold the latter to Tant.

During the 1949-63 period, Cogdill played a vital role both by writing in and by publishing the Guardian, helping thousands of brethren to study the dangers of institutionalism and centralized cooperation in the work of churches. For his help in fighting these issues, more than any other one thing, he is known and loved by brethren throughout America and around the world. The name Roy E. Cogdill stands as a monument to the militant proclamation and defense of the gospel through the papers, especially the Gospel Guardian. The volumes of the Guardian from those years when he was the guiding force are much sought after and highly prized even today. The paper passed through the hands of several editors through 1980, after which it merged with Truth Magazine (1956-80) to become the Guardian of Truth.

When Cogdill sold the Gospel Guardian Co. to Tant, Cogdill set up a separate Gospel Guardian Foundation to keep a few books in print. In 1969 the name was changed to Cogdill Foundation and Truth Magazine became a part of this Foundation. From that time until his death, he became a guiding force in Truth as a medium for the militant proclamation and defense of the gospel. So close was his relationship to editor Cecil Willis that they worked handinglove in setting the overall thrust and tone of the paper. The new editor, Mike Willis, continued to seek Cogdill’s counsel. Articles from brother Cogdill’s pen continued to appear in Truth, though with less frequency after his serious illnesses began in 1973.

In December 1980 the Board of Cogdill Foundation accepted with regret his resignation and acquiesed to his advice that the name be changed to Guardian of Truth Foundation (rather than be tied to any one individual). His counsel and encouragement played a continuing role in the paper and other operations of the foundation. He has left an indelible imprint on the lives of many people through his efforts in religious journalism. Through the influence of his past labors and through people reading his articles in future years, he shall yet be “doing the work of an evangelist” in a faithful way – always proclaiming the Savior he loves.

Looking Back Over the Decades

Brother Cogdill has often been involved in controversy, just as Jesus Christ, His apostles, early Christians, and faithful saints have been throughout history (Matt. 10:32-38). Yet he never sought a fight for its own sake nor chased every jackrabbit who jumped up from the bushes. In responding to thrusts of G.C. Brewer, Cogdill once remembered the words of Abraham Lincoln:

If I were to stop to read, much less try to answer all the false accusations and uncomplimentary things said against me, I would not have time for anything else. I decided long ago to do the best I can to do right. If in this I succeed, nothing else matters, and if in this I fail, ten angels swearing I was right would not make any difference (Bible Banner, Sept. 1948, p. 9).

Some brethren disdain all controversy and plead that they are not “temperamentally” suited for it. But our having to fight openly against sin and error to proclaim the truth is a providential means of testing and deepening our faith in God. What Price Billingsly said thirty years ago of Cogdill’s preaching 9pplied to his writing as well, including the controversial:

Best of all, the fitting climax of this impressive total, this man gave indubitable proofs of unwavering fidelity to simple New Testament truth and principle. With no Straining for effect, he appeared lost in deep concern for the truth which he spoke, in whose faithful advocacy his whole being seemed committed (Gospel Advocate, 12 Dec. 1940, p. 1181, emph. added, RH).

After “Fifty Years As A Gospel Preacher,” brother Cogdill made several observations which ought to be inscribed indelibly into the hearts of all Christians, especially of men who devote their lives to the work of an evangelist:

There have been several occasions in my life when the temptation came to turn aside from preaching and get into some profession of business that offered tempting financial reward, but it has never been a problem to make the decision that I would continue to give my full time to preaching the word of the Lord (though he “plains that a time or two he temporarily “made tents” to provide for his family, RH).

I have earnestly tried to preach and contend for what I have believed to be the truth through these years without compromise. As I face the future I pray that it may continue to be so. Nothing has been sadder to me than to witness some stalwart servant of the Lord live to reach such years in which he destroys all for which he ever stood. I pray that I may not do so.

That does not mean that I have not erred in what I have believed and taught. On more than one occasion I have found myself out of harmony with what I have learned to be the truth and been brought to alter my position to bring it in harmony with the truth I learned. I intend to continue to learn and whenever I learn anything that is contrary to what I have believed, I win make whatever change may be demanded by truth. I pray that God may continue to give me the strength to do so. It does mean, though, that my convictions and conscience have not been for sale. Personal popularity, the influence of even the closest of friends, personal ambition to be a “big preacher,” financial advantage, nor any other personal consideration has been a determining factor in any stand taken or position occupied, or in any course of action.

On the other hand, there is the persuasion that in many cases a vastly different course would have been taken had such things entered into the decision. I have never rejoiced in making enemies but I have never weighed the preaching of the gospel by the measuring of its impression or result. Preaching it has been my obligation and the results of truth belong to God (Truth Magazine, 11 Jan. 1973, pp. 151-53).

Just as John expressed joy and thanksgiving to God for brethren who “walk in truth,” we rejoice and thank God for brother Cogdill’s work of preaching Christ in gospel journals and for the lessons we learned from that work.

(This article is a revision of the one which appeared in the Guardian of Truth XXVI, 16 [17 June 1982): 365-68. My original article gave 20 Nov. 1922 as the date of his first sermon, which is the date he always gave. A note on his first sermon outline checked with a calendar shows the true date to be 26 Nov. 1922. R.H.)

Guardian of Truth XXIX: 14, pp. 438, 442-443
July 18, 1985

By Don Willis

And be also told this parable to certain can who trusted In themselves that they were righteous, and viewed others with contempt: “Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee, and the other a tax-gatherer. The Pharisee stood and was praying thus to himself, God, I thank Thee that I am not like other people: swindlers, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax-gatherer. I fast twice a week; I pay tithes of all that I get. But the tax-gatherer, standing some distance away, was even unwilling to lift up his eyes to heaven, but was beating his bread, saying, God, be merciful to me, the sinner!” I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other, for every one who exults himself shall be humbled, and he who humbles himself shall be exalted (Lk. 18:9-4).

Not every prayer is an approved prayer. Simply being religious (as was the Pharisee) did not assure that God would hear his prayer. He said his prayers, fulfilled his human need in prayer; yet, the prayer was never accepted by the God of Heaven.

Jesus, teaching His disciples how to pray, instructed them: “After this manner therefore pray ye. . . ” (Mt. 6:9, KJV). There are seven petitions in the model prayer. The Hebrews attached a mystical and holy meaning to the number seven, here signifying completeness in the types of petitions. Three concern the glory of the wonderful name of God, and four the frailty of mankind.

In the model prayer, one first recognizes the (1) Glory of God’s name; (2) the Glory of the Kingdom; (3) the Glory of God’s will on earth as in Heaven; (4) the Glory of God’s Sustenance; (5) the Glory of His Deliverance from past failures; (6) the Glory of His providential Deliverance from temptations; and (7) God’s Deliverance from the evil one. The prayer of the Lord is a perfect model, and we should accept it as He gave it.

The self-centered, self-sufficient individual cannot truly pray, for he feels no need of God! He thinks he is strong, when he is weak. He has turned his back on the supernatural and refuses to confide in divinity which knocks at the door of his heart. The attitude of the one whom God hears is, “I am weak, but Thou art mighty. Hold me with thy powerful hand. Bread of Heaven, feed me till I want no more.” In one’s weakness, lay hold on the Divine power God has placed in prayer!

One feels inadequate to say he has a list of things for which one can and should pray. I am persuaded that God is interested in every thought that we have on our minds and that we desire to place in His trust. Therefore, one can add to the list that I shall include as it fits his particular needs.

Spiritual Items For Which One Should Pray

In the model prayer, Jesus taught us to pray, “Thy Kingdom come.” We all understand that the kingdom is already come (Heb. 12:28; Col. 1:13; etc.). Objectively, the kingdom has been in existence since Pentecost. Subjectively, many are not yet in the kingdom. In this sense, one might still include “Thy Kingdom come” in an evangelistic sense. Possibly, one reason we have experienced a slowness of growth is because we do not more often pray for the Kingdom to come!

In Luke 17:5, realizing the difficulty arising in forgiving those who sin against us, the Apostles said (thus, a prayer) unto the Lord, “Increase our faith.” Prayer is important to our growth in faith. One realizes that “faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ” (Rom. 10: 17). Faith is enhanced by prayer! Too seldom do we hear in prayer, “Lord, increase our faith.”

One should pray for spiritual growth and maturity. Since Christians so depend upon God, and we recognize the need of closeness to Him while we traverse our sojourn upon the earth. “. . And lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Mt. 28:20).

Pray for the preachers of the Word of God. Pray that they might speak with boldness. “. . . And pray on my behalf, that utterance may be given to me in the opening of my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel” (Eph. 6:19). Pray “. . .that God may open up to us a door for the word, so that we may speak forth the mystery of Christ” (Col. 4:3). Pray for the work of evangelism in the local work, and for one’s personal involvement therein.

Too, be thankful! This is a command. “Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is the will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thess. 5:16-18). Be thankful to God, to Christ, to the Spirit, to the preachers who taught you, to the elders who watch for your soul, to the brethren in the Lord, to the love that abounds.

Personal Items For Which One Should Pray

Jesus taught one to pray for his daily bread. That’s a command. Some teach that personal needs are not to be included in prayer. Jesus did not so teach! Human weaknesses and incompleteness should drive one instinctively to prayer, and become the ultimate means of establishing an abiding fellowship with God.

In weakness we turn to God for rest. The crosses we bear are often heavy, and we grow weary. One becomes so tired that he cannot find peace in any of the normal pursuits of life. In prayer, we receive the strength to “rest in the Lord.”

In weakness we turn to God for strength. Faced with the business competition, the striving of men for position and power, we realize our lack of strength to fight and win. There are moments in which we feel so small and insignificant. Suddenly, in prayer, we find the strength from above. Recall God reassuring Paul, “. . . My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness” (2 Cor. 12:9).

In sickness we turn to God for strength. “Is any among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him. . . ” (Jas. 5:14). Much sickness arises from mental and emotional maladjustments. One is irritable and unstrung because of people and things. Nervous and impatient, we find fault with everyone. Morbid influences possess our minds and cast dark shadows upon both body and soul. We take our beds and seek relief in hospitals or ocean cruises. Whether the illness be real or imagined, the Great Physician is just as near as our prayers. Health is the gift of God, and every breath we draw is by His mercy. In an atmosphere of prayer, God is able to heal and bless!

In loneliness we turn to God for companionship. Who has not had moments when he felt he had been deserted by everyone, even friends and family? Everyone else seems happy. Everyone else seems to have found the proverbial gold at the end of the rainbow. No one cares about us, and have passed us by, have forsaken us, and we are left alone! Others have found the way, but the path we are traveling leads to a blind end. Like the Psalmist, “I looked on my right hand, and beheld, but there was no man that would know me: refuge failed me; no man cared for my soul” (142:4). Then, prayer opens a door. We find a Friend “that sticketh closer than a brother” who is “touched with the feelings of our infirmities” and offers us a “joy unspeakable and full of glory.” Truly, “What a Friend we have in Jesus!”

In temptation we turn to God for deliverance. All are tempted at some crucial hour of life. Life is a continual battle zone. Our unaided strength is seldom sufficient to gain the victory. In prayer, we find one who fights for us. He delivers us out of our troubles and sets our feet on higher ground. Remember: God “…will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, that you may be able to endure it” (1 Cor. 10: 13). God controls the severity of the temptation. He will not permit it to be beyond our ability to withstand. And then, He always provides a way of escape.

In sorrow we turn to God for comfort. A heavy heart is one of the greatest burdens. Loss of property, health, position or a loved one plunges one into gloom. The only one who can truly wipe away our tears is the Comforter, and He is best found in prayer. Every great character possesses some scars, and through the tears of sorrow are found the gates of heaven.

In sin we turn to God for salvation. One outside Christ needs to accept the power of the blood, and render obedience to the gospel in order to be made free from sin (Rom. 5:9; 6:3-4, 17-18; Heb. 5:9). Even after initial obedience to the gospel, we frequently break God’s laws, overstepping the boundaries of good and evil, doing things we ought not do. Even Christians often miss the mark set by God for moral activity. Evil thoughts, deceit, pride, foolishness, anger, etc. are common sins to all of us. Adultery, murder, theft, etc. are tragedies that wreck many lives. Prayer offers a way to God! The Christian needs to repent and recommit himself to the Lord. There is mercy and forgiveness, and a new life awaiting to those who call upon God in genuine faith, repentance, and a willingness to do His will in obedience in their lives.

In death we turn to God for our immortal hope. Prayer has always been a channel of blessing in the hour of death. We leave all earthly possessions, all physical advantages, even our closest family ties. Only here can we have the hand of God to guide us through the dark valley.

Prayer Is The Solution To All Of Life’s Problems!

The Value Of Intercessory Prayer

Paul informed the brethren in Ephesus that he made “…mention of you in my prayers” (1:16). He told Timothy, “. . .I constantly remember you in my prayers night and day. . . ” (2 Tim. 1: 3).

When Paul gave command, “Rejoice with those that rejoice, and weep with those that weep” (Rom. 12:15), this would include remembrance in prayer! Pray for brethren both in sorrow and happiness.

Pray for the weak brother in Christ! In an effort to restore the weak brother (Gal. 6:1), one’s attitude is so important. Prayer will assist. Paul further commands us to “bear the weaknesses of those without strength and not just please ourselves” (Rom. 15:1). Prayer is essential for our weak brother, but also for us in reaching out to them!

Pray “on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority, in order that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity” (1 Tim. 2:1-2). Give honor to the king (1 Pet. 2:17), rendering unto him the things that belong to him (Mt. 22:21).

And, pray for the lost of the worldi Jesus came to seek and save the lost (Lk. 19:10). Paul said, pray that “God may open up to us a door for the world” (Col. 4:3) It is difficult to understand why the same gospel will reach one lost person to obedience, but the other’s heart is untouched. We might pray for God to “open her heart to respond to the things spoken . . .” (Acts 16:14)

Conclusion

Peter encourages, “. . . casting all your anxiety (cares, KJV) upon Him, because He cares for you” (1 Pet. 5:7). “We love, because He first loved us” (1 Jn. 4:19). “If God be for us, who is against us?” (Rom. 8:31) “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose” (Rom. 8:28).

When the road is rough and the way is dim,
Jesus knows, Jesus cares,
When the darkness comes we can go to Him,
Jesus knows, Jesus cares.

When the heart is sad over one untrue,
Jesus knows, Jesus cares.
Go to Him in prayer, He will strengthen you,
Jesus knows, Jesus cares.

When you say good-by to your dearest friend,
Jesus knows, Jesus cares.
He will comfort you until life shall end,
Jesus knows, Jesus cares.

He knows from His throne above,
He cares with a perfect love!
Go to Jesus for peace, go to Him for rest;
Jesus knows, Jesus cares.

-Paul H. Epps

Guardian of Truth XXIX: 15, pp. 453-454, 461
August 1, 1985

By Ronny Milliner

Now when all the people were baptized, it came to pass that Jesus also was baptized; and while He prayed, the heaven was opened. And the Holy Spirit descended in bodily form like a dove upon Him, and a voice came from heaven which said, “You are My beloved Son; in You I am well pleased,” Now Jesus Himself began His ministry at about thirty years of age (Lk. 3: 21-23a).

Jesus began His ministry praying. He ended it praying, “Father, ‘into Your hands I commend My spirit'” (Lk. 23:46, all references from the NKJV).

If there ever was a man who prayed without ceasing (cf. 1 Thess. 5:17), it was Jesus of Nazareth. He prayed “in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight” (Mk. 1:35). He prayed during the day (Matt. 15:36; Jn. 11:41-42); and He prayed during the night (Matt. 14:23).

Jesus was also One who prayed everywhere (cf. 1 Tim. 2:8). He prayed in the mountains (Mk. 6:46), in the wilderness (Lk. 5:16), and in the city (Mt. 26:26-29). He even prayed on the cross (Mk. 15:34; Lk. 23:34,46).

Jesus is our example. We are to imitate Him. What kind of praying did Jesus do? Let’s take a look at some of the prayers of Jesus.

A Secluded Prayer

Jesus felt He needed to get alone to speak with His Father. After a busy day of teaching and performing miracles and before the start of another such day, Jesus arose “a long while before daylight . . . . went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed” (Mk. 1:35). Luke records this custom of Jesus in Luke 5:16. “So He Himself often withdrew into the wilderness and prayed.” After the feeding of the 5,000, Jesus “went up on a mountain by Himself to pray. And when evening had come, He was alone there” (Mt. 14:23).

There are times when we need to get away from the busy affairs of this life to seek solace with our Heavenly Father. Do we rise early in the morning to rush off to work, work all day, rush home to participate in some family affair, and then drop into bed late in the evening, realizing we really have not spent much time speaking with our Father in Heaven? Let us follow the example of Jesus. “Go into your room, and when you have shut the door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly” (Mt. 6:6).

A Public Prayer

While Jesus knew the importance of getting alone to be with His Father, He also knew the importance of praying in the sight of others. He took Peter, James, and John with Him up on the mountain of transfiguration to pray (Lk. 9:28-29). At the tomb of Lazarus Jesus prayed, “Father, I thank you that You have heard Me. And I know that You always hear Me, but because of the people who are standing by I said this, that they may believe that You sent Me” (Jn. 11:41-42). Jesus certainly did not pray just to be seen of men, for He condemned such action in Matthew 6:5. But by being seen praying, He was showing Himself an example in prayer.

Do others see us praying? Does your family see you praying? Do those with whom you work or go to school know you as a man of prayer? Are you willing to pray in public in giving thanks for your food like Paul did (Acts 27:35)? Surely you are not ashamed of others seeing you pray, are you?

A Spanning Prayer

On one occasion Jesus’ praying spanned all night (Lk. 6:12). This prayer was made before His calling of the twelve apostles. Surely, Jesus was not guilty of “vain repetitions” in such a prayer. He had taught earlier:

But when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words. Therefore do not be like than. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him (Mt. 6:7-8).

How much time do we spend in prayer to God? We sometimes sing about the “sweet hour of prayer.” Have we ever prayed for an hour? Have we ever prayed for, thirty minutes or even fifteen minutes? Do we just rush through our prayers repeating the same old cliches?

The amount of time we spend praying says something about our closeness to God. We enjoy spending time with those with whom we are close. Since our parents live some distance from us, my wife and I enjoy speaking with them on the telephone (as evidenced by our long distance phone bills). We just hate to have to end the conversation. Brethren, God has a toll-free number; we can speak with Him for as long as we feel the need. What a blessing!

A Short Prayer

While He prayed at length at times, Jesus also knew that brief prayers have their place. Notice an example in John 12:27-38 where He prayed, “Father save Me from this hour: But for this purpose I came to this hour. Father, glorify Your name.” Jesus’ last prayer was brief. “Father, ‘into Your hands I commend My spirit'”(Lk. 23:46).

We should not pray long prayers just for long prayer)s sake. Let us realize that we can express our heart ‘s desire to God at any time, expressing our burdens and cares in short statements as was characterized by Jesus. We can go to Him often in thanksgiving and praise for the good things we enjoy through the day.

A Supplicating Prayer

Supplications were a part of Jesus’ prayers. At times He prayed for Himself as He did in John 12-27. In Luke 22:31-32 He told Peter, “Simon, Simon! Indeed Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren. ” Jesus prayed for this disciple whom He knew later would deny Him. In Matthew 19:13 people were bringing the little children to Jesus that He might “put His hands on them and pray.” Jesus even prayed for His enemies, saying, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do” (Lk. 23:34). In the Lord’s prayer in John 17, He prayed for Himself (17:1-5), for His apostles (17:6-19), and for us (17:20-26).

Our prayers ought to be filled with requests both for ourselves and for others. The Bible reveals for whom we should pray. (For more details on this point, see the article in this issue entitled, “For What Should I Pray?”)

A Satisfied Prayer

There are so many good things for which we can be satisfied in this life. Because this fact was also true in the life of Jesus, thanksgiving was often a part of Jesus’ praying. In Matthew 15:36 He gave thanks for the loaves and the fish. In Matthew 11:25-26 he prayed, “I thank You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because You have hidden these things from the wise and prudent and have revealed them to babes. Even so, Father, for so it seemed good in Your sight.” He also expressed thanks to God for the Father’s hearing His prayers (Jn. 11:41-42).

Jesus assured us that our prayers would also be answered by God. He said, “Ask, and it will be given unto you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened” (Mt. 7:7-8). If we meet the conditions laid down in the Bible, our prayers will be answered. How satisfying to know we have that blessing. We have so many material and spiritual blessings for which we should be thankful. So, “continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving” (Col. 4:2).

A Schooling Prayer

On one occasion when Jesus was praying, a disciple asked Him to teach them to pray, so Jesus schooled them in prayer (Lk. 11:14). He taught them to praise God in their prayers-“Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name.” He taught them to pray for the Father’s will to be done”Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” He taught them to pray for their physical needs — “Give us day by day our daily bread.” He taught them to pray for their spiritual needs — “And forgive us our sins. For we also forgive everyone who is indebted to us, And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one.”

On other occasions Jesus taught many other things concerning prayer. (See article “Parables on Prayer.”) Do we teach others how to pray? Are we teaching our children how to pray? Do we teach new babes in Christ how to pray? Apparently Jesus thought His disciples needed to be taught how to pray. What about disciples today?

A Submissive Prayer

In the face of death, Jesus sought the Father’s will to be done. He prayed, “Father if it is Your will, remove this cup from Me; nevertheless, not My will, but Yours, be done” (Lk. 22:42). Jesus made this request with much emotion. The Hebrew writer later described this event by saying, “who, in the days of His flesh, when He offered up prayers and supplications, with vehement cries and tears to Him who was able to save Him from death, and was heard because of His godly fear” (Heb. 5:7). It was always Jesus’ desire to do the Father’s will (Heb. 10:7), and His prayers were no exception.

We need to have the same attitude, knowing that our Father knows best. Some things for which we ask may not truly be in our best interest. Thanks be to God that He answers our prayers with our well-being in mind. Remember to pray for His will to be done.

Conclusion

About whom have we been speaking? The One who prayed these prayers was the divine Son of God. How much more do we adopted sons of God need to cry out, “Abba, Father” (Gal. 4:4-6)!

Guardian of Truth XXIX: 15, pp. 455-456
August 1, 1985

 

By Mike Willis

Prayer is “an earnest entreaty addressed to God”(Webster). In order to pray, man must have certain concepts about His God. The recent surveys which I have read bout the prayer life of Christians and the personal contact which I have had with Christians lead me to believe that Christians are not spending very much time in prayer.

I am convinced that some of this is caused by an erosion of our faith in God. Have we over-reacted to Pentecostalism’s teaching that God is presently working miracles to such an extent that we are convinced that asking God to heal a sick man is useless at best, and at worst an ignorant disregard of His expressed statements that miracles have ceased? We pray for the doctors and nurses who are attending the sick, but rarely do we ask the Lord to heal someone among us who is sick.

We may be approaching the deistic concept of God. Deists incorrectly say that God’s relationship to the universe can be compared to a man who wound up a clock and set it on a shelf to run down. Have we a deistic concept of God? Do we imagine Him so far removed from the day-today operation of the universe that He will not intervene in the affairs of man? Do we conceive of Him as being willing to change His planned course of action as a result of our prayers?

In order for man to pray effectively, his concept of God must be such that he believes that praying makes a difference. If man reaches the conclusion that prayer will do no good, that he prays out of duty but with a sense of futility, he will not pray in faith. Because of these misconceptions about God’s reaction to man’s prayers, let us explore these attributes of God which make prayer reasonable.

The Prayer-Hearing God

David addressed God as follows: “O thou that hearest prayer” (Psa. 65:2). Even as Jehovah is described as the Almighty (Gen. 17:1-2), the God who provides (Gen. 22:14), the God who sees, and other names, He is also known as the God who hears prayer. The Lord is immutable; the psalmist wrote, “. . thou art the same” (Psa. 102:27). Even as God has not changed in other aspects of His character, He is also unchanged in respect to hearing prayer.

The belief that God does hear prayer demands the following concepts to be accepted:

1. That God exists. There is no use to pray if there is no God. Prayer is not soliloquy-man talking to himself. Prayer is man addressing God. If there is no God, there is no reason for man to pray. Some men do not pray because they have become atheists and agnostics. Before a man prays, he must believe that God is and that He is the rewarder of them who diligently seek Him (Heb. 11:6).

2. That God hears. Not only does man believe that God exists, he also must believe that God can and will hear prayer. The concept that God will hear my prayer demonstrates man’s faith in God’s omniscience. Millions of people from various places on this globe are lifting their voices to God in prayer. He hears every individual’s prayer. My concept of deity must be one that believes in a personal God who hears man’s prayers. An impersonal “force” or power does not respond to prayer.

3. That God cares. To believe that God will answer my prayer, I must believe that God cares for me. Jesus taught, “Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God? But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows” (Lk. 12:6-7). “. . . for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things” (Matt. 7:32). The Lord in heaven is aware of you and your needs; “for he careth for you” (1 Pet. 5:7). Why would I cast my petitions on God unless I was convinced that He cares for me?

Frank E. Graeff (1860-1919), Methodist preacher, wrote “Does Jesus Care?” while experiencing severe despondency, doubt and physical agony. The words of this song reassure us that Jesus does care for us, a thought so essential for one to be habitual in prayer.

Does Jesus care when my heart is pained
Too deeply for mirth or song,
As the burdens press,
And the cares distress,
And the way grows weary and long?

Does Jesus care when my way is dark
With a nameless dread and fear?
As the daylight fades
Into deep night shades,
Does He care enough to be near?

Does Jesus care when I’ve tried and failed
To resist some temptation strong,
When for my deep grief
There is no relief
Tho’ my tears flow all the night long?

Does Jesus care when I’ve said “goodby”
To the dearest on earth to me,
And my sad heart aches
Till it nearly breaks,
Is it aught to Him? Does He see?

O yes, He cares, I know He cares,
His heart is touched with my grief;
When the days are weary,
The long night dreary,
I know my Savior cares.

4. That God is able. For me to pray to God, I must believe that He is able to do s6mething to relieve my need. This implies that God is omnipotent, the Almighty. Paul assures us that God is “able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think” (Eph. 4:20). To take my petitions to one who has no ability to answer my needs is useless. In that case, about all one can do is to have sympathy and pity. My friends can extend sympathy and pity. However, God is able to act to change my conditions and situation.

5. That God will act. For me to pray, I must believe that my prayer will have an impact on God, motivating Him to act in my behalf. Jesus said,

Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: for every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone? Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent? If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him (Matt. 7:7-11).

In response to Israel’s cry because of the oppression in Egypt, God raised up Moses to deliver His people (Ex. 3:9). In response to Elijah’s prayer, the Lord withheld rain from Israel for three and one-half years; in response to another one of his prayers, he sent rain to Israel (Jas. 5:18). In response to Hezekiah’s prayer, God added fifteen years to his life (2 Kgs. 20). In response to the church’s prayer, Peter was released from Herod’s prison (Acts 12). God heard these prayers, cared about the plight of the people, and acted to relieve their suffering. I must believe the same God cares in the same way about me and will act in response to my prayers. If this is not true, why pray?

6. That God has infinite wisdom. I come to God in prayer, like Jesus who said, “Not my will but thine be done.” I recognize that I do not always ask what I need. The God to whom I pray will exercise the wisdom to decide how to answer my prayers, not always giving me what I ask, but always giving me what I need.

This was scribbled almost a century ago by an anonymous soldier of the Confederacy:

I asked for help, that I might do greater things. I was given infirmity that I might do better things.

I asked God for strength that I might achieve. I was made weak that I might learn humbly to obey.

I asked for all things that I might enjoy life. I was given life, that I might enjoy all things.

I got nothing that I asked for — but everything I hoped for.

Despite myself, my prayers were answered. I am among all men, most richly blessed.

Conclusion

When Jesus gave the parable of the unjust judge (Lk. 18:1-4), He was teaching us that “men ought always to pray, and not to faint” (Lk. 18:1). When He concluded the parable, He said, “Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?” (Lk. 18:8) Men will not pray unless they have faith.

My brethren, if we are not praying, we lack faith. We need to go back to our fundamental concepts of God and reaffirm our commitment to them. Let us not be so subtly influenced by the infidelity around us that we reach the conclusion that prayer does no good and quit praying.

Having faith in God, let us join together in offering our petitions to him in prayer. “Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven” (Matt. 18:19). “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much” (Jas. 5:16). Do you believe these statements? If so, should we be spending more time in prayer and less time worrying?

Guardian of Truth XXIX: 15, pp. 450, 470
August 1, 1985