That one word spoken in faith, is better than a thousand prayers in
a formal, cold, lukewarm way.
Naturally the name of God is dreadful to us, especially when he is
discovered to us by those names that declare his justice, holiness,
power, and glory; but the word FATHER is a familiar word; it
frighteth not the sinner, but rather inclineth his heart to love and
be pleased with the remembrance of him. Hence Christ also, when he
would have us to pray with godly boldness, put this word FATHER into
our mouths, saying, "When ye pray, say, Our Father which art in
heaven;" concluding thereby that in the familiarity which by such a
word is intimated, the children of God may take more holdness to
pray for and ask great things. I myself have often found that when I
can say but this word, FATHER, it doth me more good than when I call
him by any other scripture name.
It is worth your noting, that to call God by his relative title was
rare among the saints in Old Testament times; but now in New
Testament times, he is called by no name so often as this, both by
the Lord Jesus Christ himself and by the apostles afterwards. Indeed
the Lord Jesus was he that first made this name common among the
saints, and that taught them in their discourses, in their prayers,
and in their writings, so much to use it; it being more pleasing to,
and discovering more plainly our interest in God, than any other
expression.
Pages:
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45