Repeat some words of Jesus, in which [68] prayer is enjoined as a duty. Matt. vii: 7; xxvi: 41; Luke xviii: 1. Some words of Paul to the same effect. I Th. v: 17; Phil. iv: 6; 1 Ti. ii: 1. Some words of James. Jas. v: 13.

      Is prayer more frequently spoken of in the Scriptures as duty, or as a privilege? Does the fact that it is a privilege make it any the less a duty? Is it a sin to neglect it?

      Quote some words of Jesus containing the assurance that prayer will be answered. Matt. vii: 7, 8. What is meant by seeking and knocking, in this passage? Ans.--They are figurative expressions for prayer. Quote other promises of Jesus. Mark xi: 24; John xvi: 23. Quote one from James. Jas. v: 16. One from Peter. I Peter iii: 12. One from John. I John v: 14, 15.

      Is God able to fulfill such promises as these? Can one who believes the Bible doubt that he will do it? Is there any more reason to doubt these promises than any others in the Bible?

      What does Paul say about being careful? Phil. iv: 6. What does the word careful here mean? Ans.--It means full of care. How does Paul direct us in the remainder of this verse to free ourselves from care? What does he say will be the consequence of this? Verse 7. What is meant by the peace of God? Ans.--The peace which God bestows on us. If, then, we let our requests be made known to God in everything, what will be the effect on our own minds? If Christians are full of care, what does it prove in regard to their prayerfulness?

      If we pray for any particular virtue, will [69] this help us to acquire said virtue? If we pray for the spiritual good of any person, that person knowing that we thus pray for him, is it likely to do him good? Are these results on ourselves and on others the promised answers of prayer? Ans.--No; they are the natural effects of prayer. What do you understand by an answer to prayer? Ans.--Something that God does for us or for others because we pray for it. If, then, the only benefit derived from prayer is the good effect on the person who prays, and on others who hear the prayer, is there any real answer to prayer?

[FBL 68-70]