EXAMPLES IN PRAYER

By Bob Myhan

he Bible narrative is replete with accounts of people whose lives seem to have been filled with prayer. Seeing how they and others benefited from their communion with God will help us to better appreciate the greatest force on earth, and will assist us in praying more frequently during our own earthly sojourn. Let us consider five typical prayers.

The Exemplary Entreaty of Abraham

braham is the archetype intercessor. In his dialogue with God concerning the fate of Sodom (Gen. 18:23-33), he implored Him to spare that wicked city for the sake of ten righteous people. The Lord promised that He would; unfortunately, there were not ten found. But, when Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed, “God remembered Abraham, and sent Lot out of the midst of the overthrow” (Gen. 19:29). Thus, it appears that Lot was spared, at least in part, as a result of his uncle Abraham’s intercession.

The Pitiable Plea of Hannah

annah is the model for earnest prayer. “In bitterness of soul,” she “prayed unto the Lord, and wept sore,” because she was barren and wanted a child (1 Sam. 1:9-16). “A woman of a sorrowful spirit,” she “poured out [her] soul before the Lord,” speaking “out of the abundance of [her] complaint and grief.” Truly, she was among the “poor in spirit,” of whom Jesus said, “theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matt. 5:5). Hannah’s plea did not fall on deaf ears; the Lord heard her appeal, and gave her a child who would become one of Israel’s greatest judges and anoint that nation’s first two kings.

The Royal Request of Solomon

hen God told Solomon to ask whatever he wanted, it was implied that the request would be granted. Solomon, of course, asked for wisdom, and in so doing became a pattern for us (1 Kings 3:5-9). God has also promised to give us whatsoever we ask of Him (Matt. 7:7-11), and He has specifically said that we may solicit wisdom (James 1:5).

The Positive Petition of Hezekiah

ezekiah characteristically took his problems to God in complete reliance upon Him (2 Kings 19:14-19; Isa. 37:14-20), which is not only to be admired, but also imitated. God will always answer petitions that are in harmony with His promises. He had promised Hezekiah protection (2 Kings 19:7); thus, the king had God’s word as the foundation of his faith. So it is, even today. When prayers are assuredly based upon the promises of God they will be answered (1 John 3:21-22).

The Contrite Confession of David

s David points out in Psalm 51 (which many scholars think was written shortly after his adultery with Bathsheba and murder of Uriah), we must be broken-hearted over our sins, if we would petition God for pardon (v. 17). And here we have the ideal request for mercy—one that includes an admission of guilt. &

GAMBLING (Part One)

By Kenneth Thomas

n a Bible study class I was teaching recently, the topic of gambling was brought up and much discussion resulted. Much of what was said made me aware of the fact that more study and teaching was needed relative to the Lord's will concerning "gambling."

Often New Converts Need Such a Study

ome new converts need to study this subject due to their lack of knowledge as well as former practices prior to their conversion. Once a relatively new convert asked me, "Ken, is it wrong for my family and some close friends to play a little poker in a ‘friendly game’ for small amounts of money?" I gave this brother in Christ some literature written by a fellow gospel preacher to consider, but I wasn't content leaving it at that. I wanted material that I could make available which resulted from my own understanding, resulting from my own study, rather than what others have written. Yes, I do and I have profited from what other faithful brethren have written, but nothing can take the place of doing one's own study and reaching one's own conclusions based on what the Bible itself teaches in principle well as that which is positively stated.

Gambling Often Becomes an Obsession

ust as the consumption of alcoholic beverages is often addictive resulting in one becoming an alcoholic, so gambling may become such an obsession or addiction, and it is difficult to see any form of gambling as "friendly" in this scribe's estimation. Besides, the amount wagered isn't the point. It is just as wrong, in principle, to gamble for pennies as it would be for thousands of dollars. One of the first things a Christian must consider is his example before others (1 Tim. 4:12b; Matt. 5:13-16). Parents are admonished to "train up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord" (Eph. 6:4). Even if you have no children of your own, you should still set a proper example in word and deed before others, for your friends and relatives have children who may follow your example for good or for ill. How can a Christian who engages in things that are "darkness" and still be able to "be a light" to others who observe his actions? (See Eph. 5:8; 1 Peter 4:1-4).

ome refer to those who become compulsive gamblers as having a disease in much the same way as they also refer to alcoholism as a disease. Both may well become a "disease," but first it was a sin for which one's soul may be damned if it is not cured! Can you imagine God sending one's soul to torment for a "sickness"? Friends, the drunkard and the compulsive gambler who hasn't repented and complied with the Lord's law of pardon can only expect torment in eternity (1 Cor. 6:9-10; 19- 20; Eph. 4:28; Rom. 12:17; Matt. 7:12).

Not Everything That's Legal Is Scriptural

e are all aware of the fact that gambling has become legal in many states in the U.S.A. However, making something "legal" does not assure that it is pleasing to Christ. Drinking is legal after a certain age in our society. Divorce and remarriage repeatedly are allowed under the laws of our land and such is widely practiced in this country and in others. Does the fact that these practices are now legal all of a sudden make them Scriptural? The answer is No! The apostle Peter was commanded by some in authority not to preach or teach concerning Jesus on one occasion. He said to them, "we must obey God rather than men" (Acts 5:29). In other words when man's laws conflict with God's, we must choose to obey God and disobey men. There are those who either don't know this principle or who choose to disregard it. Many have divorced their mate and "married" another without following the guidelines laid down by Jesus in the New Testament. Such folks are legally married in the eyes of the laws of our land, but are still bound to another according to the law of Christ (Matt. 5:31-32; Matt. 19:1-9; Rom. 7:4). We are to abide by the laws of the land when possible of course according to Romans 13:10-7, but there are exceptions as noted above. & [To be continued]