Prayers pleasing to God need not be lengthy and must not be filled with

“vain repetitions”. The Lord taught His disciples to avoid this common

error of the Pharisees who, He said, use “vain repetitions, as the heathen

do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking” (Matt.

6:7). The efficacy in prayer is not dependent on the number of words used,

or the eloquence of the speaker who chooses them.

One of the most poignant and impressive prayers in the Bible has in it only

two words! David, facing formidable enemies, deeply troubled, uncertain

what course would be best for him to follow and fully aware of his own

inability to resolve his problems, cried out, “Help, Lord” (Psa. 12:1). This

was no time for speech-making to God!

All who face trials in life—and eventually all do—can fully empathize with

the embattled Psalmist, and recall those painful occasions when in turning

to the Lord, there was the sobering realization that there was no one else to

whom to turn. The Bible abounds with these wonderful and precious

assurances to the faithful. “All things work together for good to them that

love God” (Rom. 8:28). “As thy day is, so shall thy strength be” (Deut.

33:25). “My grace is sufficient for thee” (2 Cor. 12:9).

When sin-stricken, burdened, and weary,

From bondage I longed to be free,

There came to my heart the sweet message:

“My grace is sufficient for thee”.

Though tempted and sadly discouraged,

My soul to this refuge will flee,

And rest in the blessed assurance:

“My grace is sufficient for thee”.

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