And Jesus lifted up

his eyes,

and

said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me. And I know that thou hearest me always. And he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth. And he that was dead came forth. John xi. 41–44.

V.

So our blessed Lord, who often spent the night alone in devotion, would show us, that He received of the Father the Spirit, which was given to Him without measure, in answer to prayer; and when he prayed in his agony there appeared an angel from heaven strengthening Him.

We must not be cast down because our petitions are not answered immediately; for God will hear the prayer of those who cry unto Him day

and night (Luke xviii. 1), and will help them.

Jacob said, I will not let thee go, except thou bless me. Gen. xxxii. 26. And he said, Thou hast power with God, and hast prevailed. Gen. xxxii. 38.

pray

And (Jesus) spake unto them unto this end, that men ought always to and not to faint. Luke xviii. 1. Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance. Eph. vi. 18.

VI.

It is our serious duty to watch for the effect and fulfilment of our prayers. If we are inattentive to the mercies which we have received after our prayer, what can we expect but

the Lord, who knows He will but answer in vain, will answer us no more. Think how great a slight seems put upon us by one who earnestly addresses a request to us, and then passes on, regardless of our reply. How much more shall the great God forbear to listen, when He knows before, we shall not observe that his hand has saved us, that his Holy Spirit kept us from the evil. The blessings or sorrows that follow our prayer, have as solemn and distinct a message to us, as visions brought to the holy men and prophets of old.

Whoso is wise, and will observe these things, even they shall understand the lovingkindness of the Lord. Ps. cvii. 43.

I will watch to see what he will say unto me. The vision is yet for

an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come. Hab. ii. 1—3.

I said, Days shall speak. Job xxxii.7.

VII.

In every prayer of ours we must believe and feel assured that we are drawing near to a reconciled Father in Christ Jesus; a Father who Himself loveth us for our love to his dear Son our only Saviour; and that whatsoever He shall ask of God in our behalf God will give it us. granting or denying our request He will prove his own wisdom and tenderness to us, and show that He is a rewarder of all them that diligently seek Him.

In

My soul, wait thou only upon God;

for my expectation is from him. Ps. lxii. 5.

Ask in faith, nothing wavering. James i. 6.

This is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: and if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him. 1 John v. 14, 15.

VIII.

When we are in doubt what we should pray for, we may entreat God's grace and mercy for our souls, and leave every particular of our future life to his merciful disposal. He knoweth us, and He knoweth all things, and the fruits of them; and He will give us whatsoever is best for us in its time. His words of