4. We must ask in faith. “But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering.  For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea, driven with the winds, and tossed.  For let not that man think that he shall receive anything of the Lord.”  A difference of opinion exists among real Christians, as to what constitutes the prayer of faith spoken of by the apostle.  Some maintain that we must believe that we shall receive the very thing for which we ask.  This opinion is founded on some promises made by our Lord to the apostles, which those who hold the contrary opinion suppose to have been intended only for them.  I shall not attempt to determine this point; nor do I think it very important which of these theories is embraced; because, in examining the history of those persons whose prayers have received the seal of heaven, I find some of them embraced one, and some the other; while many who embrace either of them seem not to live in the exercise of prevailing prayer.  The main point, therefore, seems to be, that we should maintain such a nearness of communion with God as shall secure the personal exercise of the prayer of faith.  Two things, however, are essential to this:  (1.) Strong confidence in the existence and faithfulness of God. “He that cometh unto God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” (2.) The prayer of faith must be dictated by the Holy Spirit.  Faith itself is declared to be “the gift of God;” and the apostle says, “The Spirit also helpeth our infirmities; for we know not what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us, with groanings which cannot be uttered.”  “He maketh intercession for the saints, according to the will of God.”  When this wonderful truth is made known, we are no longer astonished that God should assure us, by so many precious promises, that he will hear and answer our prayers.  We are called the temples of the Holy Ghost.  If the Holy Ghost dwell in us, to guide and direct us in all our ways, will he forsake us in so important a matter as prayer?  O, then, what a solemn place is the Christian’s closet, or the house of prayer!  There the whole Trinity meet in awful concert.  The Holy Spirit there presents to the everlasting Father, through the eternal Son, the prayers of a mortal worm!  Is it any wonder that such a prayer should be heard?  With what holy reverence and godly fear should we approach this consecrated place!

5.  We must ask in a spirit of humble submission, yielding our wills to the will of the Lord, committing the whole case to him, in the true spirit of our Lord’s agonizing prayer in the garden, when he said, “Not my will but thine be done.”  If I had a house full of gold, and had promised to give you as much as you desire, would you need to be urged to ask?  But, there is an inexhaustible fulness of spiritual blessings treasured up in Christ; and he has declared repeatedly that you may have as much as you will ask.  Need you be urged to ask?  Need you want any grace?  It is unbelief that keeps us so far from God.  From what has been said on this subject, I think you may safely conclude that your progress in the divine life will be in proportion to the real prayer of faith which you exercise.