The Mystery of Prayer

“And all things whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.” –Matthew 21:22

I cannot explain the mystery

Of lifting hearts in prayer:

But this I know with assurance:

God hears and answers there

From His infinite dimensions

Where He dwells in power supreme,

And we approach Him on His throne

With faith our foremost theme.

“Ask and you will receive,”*

Boldly He sets prayer’s estate.

“Seek and you shall find,”*

And with seeking learn to wait.

“Knock and it shall be opened,”*

To vistas yet unknown!

What privileges beyond  reckoning

Prayer holds for God’s very own!

What things we ask in prayer,**

We ask in faith, believing;

And when the time is right

God grants we’ll be receiving.

A warning comes, “Ask not amiss,”***

To satisfy selfish desires,

But ever seeking the will of God,

To this aim true prayer aspires.

                -Ethelene Dyer Jones

*Matthew 7:7:  “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.”

**Matthew 21:22: “And all things whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.”

***James 4:3: “Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.”