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YOUR FATHER KNOWETH

' Your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him. After this manner therefore pray ye' (Matthew 6: 8, 9).

this is one of the best pictures we can have of our Father. He understands us. He knows all about us, and all our need. In our prayer to Him we are not talking to someone who does not appreciate our problems and sorrows but to our Divine Father, who knows everything about us.

If our Father did not know our need, it would be sad for us. We do not understand our hearts well enough to know what to say or to ask. Indeed, many of our prayers arise from self love, and if answered as we wish might bring us much sorrow and trouble. Our Father not only knows us but He also knows how it is best for us to pray. So He gives us even the words to say to use in talking with Him. As we are not heard for much speaking, only a few words are necessary. The manner of the prayer is short and simple. Simple words and little sentences.

Too many words confuse and darken. Life is hidden in small seeds. And the small seeds of this perfect prayer are full of meaning, both in themselves and in their order of sequence.

Because our Father knows our need, we are to pray in this manner. A manner that first lifts our thoughts to the Highest in heaven and ends with our own low estate, asking that we may be delivered from evil. Then finishing with the ascription to Him, of the Kingdom, and power, and glory for ever.

'O Lord, thou hast searched me, and known me ... for there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O Lord thou knowest it altogether' (Psalm 139: 1, 4).


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