p. 15 | Sincerity in Prayer

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Nov 14, 1912

Sincerity in Prayer

Lesson for the Children—No. 2

Sincerity in Prayer

MEMORY TEXT: “And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.” Jer. 29:13.

Did you ever talk with any one who said, “O, I didn’t mean what I said”? Some talk to God that way. They pray with their lips only. They do not mean what they say. Perhaps even while saying words to him they are thinking of something else, or they look about while they pretend to talk to such a great King. There were some people long ago who did that way. (Illustrate by the story in Jeremiah 42; 43:1-7.)

God can not hear and bless us if we come to him as those people did. He says some “have not cried unto me with their heart.” Hosea 7:14. Some love sin so much that God does not answer their prayers. Ps. 66:18.

Teach the memory text. David said: “As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God. My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God?” Ps. 42:1, 2. Tell them how hart is spelled—h-a-r-t, not h-e-a-r-t. Give a word-picture of a hunted, frightened, thirsty, panting deer plunging into a cool stream to drink. Where does the hart live?—In hot, mountainous countries. Ask what is meant by panting. Why does a dog pant? Who has seen a weary, thirsty animal plunge into a stream for a bath and a drink? It does not have to be urged and driven to the water for which it longs. So we should seek and long for the blessing of God. Do you want it that much?

Jesus said, “Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness.” We should want to know that God hears and answers our prayers even more than we want food when hungry.

A father knew his little boy went to bed with unkind feelings in his heart. He went to his room, and said: “My son, did you pray to-night?” “I said my prayers, father.” “But did you pray?”

Many say prayers, but do not really pray. Something is wrong between them and God. (Illustrate by a very small object that cuts off the electric current so no connection is made between the source of power and the place where light should shine.)

Be very earnest and sincere in teaching this lesson, that it may reach the hearts of the children.

Until the next meeting, let all ask the Lord to teach them how to pray.