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Stump, Joseph

"An Explanation of Luther's Small Catechism"


[Eph. 2:18+, Rom. 5:2] 2. As one who prays in Christ's spirit,
submitting all things to God's will, and saying with Christ, "Not my
will, but Thine, be done." [Matt. 26:29, Matt 6:10]
IN FAITH. We should pray in faith, believing that God will answer our
prayer for Jesus' sake. [Jas. 5:16+] If we do not pray in faith, we
shall not be heard. [Jas. 1:6, 7]
THE ANSWER TO PRAYER. God always answers the prayer of the believer.
Those who ask and receive not, have either asked amiss, [Jas. 4:3] or
have not asked in faith. If we ask anything according to His will, He
heareth us. [John 5:14+] He answers our prayer, 1. By granting us what
we ask, though perhaps after a long delay, by which He tries our faith
and patience. 2. He grants us good things instead of the hurtful things
for which we ignorantly ask. 3. He gives us strength to bear the burden
which we pray to have removed, [II Cor. 12:9] and thus confers a greater
blessing than the removal of the burden would be.
QUESTIONS.--1. What is prayer? 2. To whom alone should we pray? 3.


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