MEDITATION:
Written by Jonathan Edwards (1703-1758), an American revivalist preacher, philosopher, and theologian. This is an excerpt from his sermon “The Most High, a Prayer-Hearing God.”
With respect to God, prayer is but a sensible acknowledgment of our dependence on him to his glory. As he made all things for his own glory, so he will be glorified and acknowledged by his creatures; and it is fitting that he should require this of those who would be subjects of his mercy . . . [it] is a suitable acknowledgment of our dependence on the power and mercy of God for that which we need, and but a suitable honor paid to the great Author and Fountain of all good. With respect to ourselves, God requires prayer of us . . . Fervent prayer in many ways prepares the heart. Hereby is excited a sense of our need . . . whereby the mind is more prepared to prize [his mercy] . . . Our prayer to God may excite in us a suitable sense and consideration of our dependence on God for the mercy we ask, and a suitable exercise of faith in God’s sufficiency, so that we may be prepared to glorify his name when the mercy is received.
PRAYER:
Written by John Chrysostom (AD 347-407), the archbishop of Constantinople and an early theologian of the church.
Almighty God,
you have given us grace to bring our prayers to you,
and you promise that when two or three agree together in your name
you will grant their requests.
Fulfill now, Lord, our desires and prayers,
as may be best for us.
Grant us in this world knowledge of your truth,
and in the world to come life everlasting. Amen.
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