Prayer
James Hamilton, D. D. John 4:46-54 So Jesus came again into Cana of Galilee, where he made the water wine. And there was a certain nobleman… I. ITS OBJECT. Christ as — 1. Human — sympathizing. 2. Divine — helpful. II. ITS MODE OF ADDRESS. 1. Respectful. "Sir." All true prayer should begin with adoration. The urgency of our case sometimes leads us to forget this. 2. Entreating as inspired by consciousness of real need. 3. Importunate as evidencing earnestness. III. Its subject matter. "My child." The first object of a parent's desire is his child's — 1. Life. 2. Support. 3. Salvation. IV. ITS MOTIVE. 1. Unselfish. It seeks the good of others. 2. And yet selfish, for the father's happiness was wrapped up in his child. So the well-being of others will re-act upon us. To give is unselfish, but it re-acts on self because it is more blessed than to receive. V. ITS NECESSITY. See this in family trials. Directness in prayer: — A Scotchman's wife besought him to pray that the life of their dying baby might be spared. True to his old instincts, the good man kneeled down devoutly, and went out on the well-worn track, as he was wont to do in the prayer-meetings at the kirk. Through and through the routine petitions he wandered along helplessly, until he reached at last the honoured quotation: "Lord, remember Thine ancient people, and turn again the captivity of Zion!" A mother's heart could hold its patience no longer. "Eh, man!" the woman broke forth impetuously; "you are aye drawn out for the Jews, but it's our bairn that's a-deein'." Then, clasping her hands, she cried: "Oh! help us, Lord, and give our darling back to us if it be Thy holy will; but if he is to be taken away from us, make us know Thou wilt have him to Thyself!" That wife knew what it was to pray a real prayer; and to the throne of grace she went, asking directly what she wanted.most. (James Hamilton, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: So Jesus came again into Cana of Galilee, where he made the water wine. And there was a certain nobleman, whose son was sick at Capernaum. WEB: Jesus came therefore again to Cana of Galilee, where he made the water into wine. There was a certain nobleman whose son was sick at Capernaum.