Prayer - Supplication

John Newton of the 18th century wrote a hymn with the words:-

Come, my soul, thy suit prepare,

Jesus loves to answer pray'r.

He Himself has bid thee pray,

rise and ask without delay.

Thou art coming to a King,

large petitions with thee bring,

for his grace and pow'r are such,

none can ever ask too much.

John 15:7 “If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.”

This verse comes within the passage where Jesus speaks of himself as the vine and we as the abiding fruitful vine. The fruits of our Christian life are the work of God. Each of us can see the life and work of God in others - in ministry, in love, in commitment, courage, endurance, and ordinary daily kindness and compassion. Each of us, too, is gifted in some unique way. We can bear fruit for God in a way nobody else can. Prayer helps us recognise the fruits, develop them and offer them in the service of God and God's people.

From the hymn we gather  Christ’s desire is to answer prayer and for our part we are required to be so grafted to him that we are so attuned to his Spirit that our natural communication reflects his will and purpose. Another hymn writer sums such prayerful placement. Ponder these words prayerfully and carefully.

1 Prayer is the soul's sincere desire,

uttered or unexpressed;

the motion of a hidden fire

that trembles in the breast.

2 Prayer is the simplest form of speech

that infant lips can try,

prayer the sublimest strains that reach

the Majesty on high.

3 Prayer is the Christian's vital breath,

the Christian's native air,

his watchword at the gates of death:

he enters heaven with prayer.

4 Prayer is the contrite sinner's voice,

returning from his ways;

while angels in their songs rejoice,

and cry, 'Behold, he prays!

5 The saints in prayer appear as one,

in word and deed and mind;

while with the Father and the Son

sweet fellowship they find.

6. Nor prayer is made on earth alone:

the Holy Spirit pleads,

and Jesus on the eternal throne

for sinners intercedes.

7 O Thou by whom we come to God,

the Life, the Truth, the Way,

the path of prayer thyself hast trod:

Lord, teach us how to pray!

James Montgomery (1771 - 1854),