Chapter XXVIII: Part XIII: Prayer and Public Worship

The Groves Were God’s First Temples. "It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord, and to sing praises unto Thy name, O Most High." Ps. 92:1.

Importance Of Prayer

Ezra In Prayer. "Men ought always to pray, and not to faint." Luke 18:1.

1. By what title does the psalmist address God?

“_O Thou that hearest prayer_, unto Thee shall all flesh come.” Ps. 65:2.

2. Of whom does the Bible teach that God is a rewarder?

“A rewarder _of them that diligently seek Him_.” Heb. 11:6.

3. How willing is God to hear and answer prayer?

“If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, _how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask Him_?” Matt. 7:11.

4. What above all else shows God’s willingness to do this?

“He that spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?” Rom. 8:32.

5. Upon what conditions are we promised needed blessings?

“_Ask_, and it shall be given you; _seek_, and ye shall find; _knock_, and it shall be opened unto you: for every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.” Matt. 7:7, 8.

NOTES.—“Prayer is not the overcoming of God’s _reluctance_; it is
the taking hold of God’s _willingness_.” “Prayer is the opening of
the heart to God as to a friend.” Prayer does not change God; but
it does change _us_ and our _relation_ to God. It places us in the
channel of blessings, and in that frame of mind in which God can
consistently and safely grant our requests.

“How shall we pray so as to be heard and to receive help? For one
thing, there must be a real desire in our hearts. Forms of words
do not make prayer: we must want something, and must realize our
dependence upon God for it.”—_J. R. Miller, D. D._

6. From whom do all good and perfect gifts come?

“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from _the Father of lights_, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.” James 1:17.

7. If one lacks wisdom, what is he told to do?

“If any of you lack wisdom, _let him ask of God_, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” Verse 5.

8. How must one ask in order to receive?

“But let him _ask in faith, nothing wavering_. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive anything of the Lord.” Verses 6, 7. See Mark 11:24.

NOTE.—“Prayer is the key in the hand of faith to unlock heaven’s
storehouse, where are treasured the boundless resources of
Omnipotence.”

9. Under what condition does the Lord not hear prayer?

“_If I regard iniquity in my heart_, the Lord will not hear me.” Ps. 66:18. See Isa. 59:1, 2; James 4:3.

10. Whose prayers does Solomon say are an abomination?

“_He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law_, even his prayer shall be abomination.” Prov. 28:9.

NOTE.—Contention and discord quench the spirit of prayer. 1 Peter
3:1-7. Many grieve the Spirit and drive Christ from their homes by
giving way to impatience and passion. Angels of God flee from
homes where there are unkind words, contention, and strife.

11. What did Christ say concerning secret prayer?

“But thou, when thou prayest, _enter into thy closet_, and when thou hast shut thy door, _pray to thy Father which is in secret_; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.” Matt. 6:6.

12. To what place did Jesus retire for secret devotion?

“And when He had sent the multitudes away, _He went up into a mountain apart to pray_: and when the evening was come, He was there alone.” Matt. 14:23.

13. For whom did Christ teach us to pray?

“But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and _pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you_.” Matt. 5:44.

NOTE.—We cannot hate those for whom we pray.

14. When praying, what must we do in order to be forgiven?

“And when ye stand praying, _forgive, if ye have ought against any_: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.” Mark 11:25.

15. With what should our prayers be mingled?

“Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication _with thanksgiving_ let your requests be made known unto God.” Phil. 4:6.

16. How often should we pray?

“_Praying always_ with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit.” Eph. 6:18. “_Pray without ceasing._” 1 Thess. 5:17. “_Every day will I bless Thee_; and I will praise Thy name forever and ever.” Ps. 145:2.

17. How often did David say he would pray?

“_Evening_, and _morning_, and at _noon_, will I pray, and cry aloud: and He shall hear my voice.” Ps. 55:17. See Dan. 6:10.

18. What is said of Cornelius and his family?

“A devout man, and one that _feared God with all his house_, which gave much alms to the people, _and prayed to God alway_.” Acts 10:2.

19. In whose name did Christ teach us to pray?

“And whatsoever ye shall ask in _My name_, that will I do.” John 14:13.

20. Why did the unjust judge answer the widow’s prayer?

“Though I fear not God, nor regard man; yet _because this widow troubleth me_, I will avenge her, _lest by her continual coming she weary me_.” Luke 18:4, 5.

NOTE.—The lesson of the parable is that “men ought always to pray,
and not to faint.” Verse 1. If this woman, by her persistence in
asking, obtained her request from such a man, surely God, who is
just, will answer the earnest, persistent prayers of His people,
though the answer may be long delayed.

Jesus Teaching The Woman Of Samaria. "God is a Spirit: and they that
worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth." John 4:24.

Meditation And Prayer

Secret Prayer. "My meditation of Him shall be sweet." Ps. 104:34.

1. What was one of Paul’s injunctions to Timothy?

“_Meditate upon these things_; give thyself wholly to them.” 1 Tim. 4:15.

NOTE.—Meditation is to the soul what digestion is to the body. It
assimilates, appropriates, and makes personal and practical that
which has been seen, heard, or read.

2. When did David say he would praise God with joyful lips?

“_When I remember Thee_ upon my bed, _and meditate on Thee_ in the night-watches.” Ps. 63:6.

3. How will such meditation be to one who loves God?

“My meditation of Him shall be _sweet_.” Ps. 104:34.

4. In what does the psalmist say the man who is blessed delights and meditates?

“His delight is in _the law of the Lord_; and in _His law_ doth he meditate day and night.” Ps. 1:2.

5. With what adversary do we constantly have to contend?

“Be sober, be vigilant: because _your adversary the devil_, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.” 1 Peter 5:8.

6. When is a man tempted?

“But every man is tempted, when _he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed_.” James 1:14.

7. That we may not be overcome, what are we told to do?

“_Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation_: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Matt. 26:41.

8. How constantly should we pray?

“Pray _without ceasing_.” 1 Thess. 5:17. “Continuing _instant_ in prayer.” Rom. 12:12.

NOTE.—This does not mean that we should be constantly bowed before
God in prayer, but that we should not _neglect_ prayer, and that
we should _ever be in a prayerful frame of mind_, even when
walking by the way or engaged in the duties of life,—ever ready to
send up our petitions to heaven for help in time of need.

9. That we might be prepared for His coming, what admonition did Christ give?

“_Take ye heed, watch and pray_: for ye know not when the time is.... And what I say unto you I say unto all, _Watch_.” Mark 13:33-37. See also Luke 21:36.

10. Why are watchfulness and prayer especially imperative in the last days?

“Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.” Rev. 12:12.

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Lord, what a change within us one short hour
Spent in Thy presence will prevail to make!
What heavy burdens from our bosoms take!
What parched grounds refresh, as with a shower!
We kneel, and all around us seems to lower!
We rise, and all, the distant and the near,
Stands forth in sunny outline, brave and clear.
We kneel, how weak! we rise, how full of power!
Why, therefore, should we do ourselves this wrong,
Or others, that we are not always strong,
That we are ever overborne with care,
That we should ever weak or heartless be,
Anxious or troubled, when with us is prayer,
And joy and strength and courage are with Thee?
ARCHBISHOP TRENCH.

Watching Unto Prayer

Rock Of Ages. "Simply to Thy cross I cling."—_Toplady._

1. Unto what are we exhorted to watch?

“But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and _watch unto prayer_.” 1 Peter 4:7.

2. What is one of the petitions of the Lord’s prayer?

“Lead us not into _temptation_.” Matt. 6:13.

3. By what means can we escape temptation?

“_Watch and pray_, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Matt. 26:41.

NOTE.—We should couple with our prayers a spirit of watchfulness,
thus cooperating with God in answering them. This is watching unto
prayer.

4. How is this duty again expressed?

“Continue in prayer, and _watch in the same_ with thanksgiving.” Col. 4:2.

5. How faithful should we be in this matter?

“Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the spirit, and _watching thereunto with all perseverance_ and supplication for all saints.” Eph. 6:18.

6. When did Israel prevail in battle?

“And it came to pass, _when Moses held up his hand, that Israel __ prevailed_: and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed.” Ex. 17:11.

7. When the householder ceased watching, what happened?

“But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have _watched_, and would not have suffered his house to be _broken up_.” Matt. 24:43.

8. What experience comes to those who wait upon the Lord?

“But _they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength_; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” Isa. 40:31.

9. For what did Habakkuk say he would watch?

“I will stand upon my watch, and set me upon the tower, and _will watch to see what He will say unto me_.” Hab. 2:1.

NOTE.—Some are very anxious that God should hear them when they
pray, but are quite indifferent as to what He says in reply.

10. How may we escape the evils coming on the world?

“_Watch ye, therefore, and pray always_, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.” Luke 21:36.

NOTE.—Vigilance, as well as prayer, is necessary if we would
escape the evils, delusions, and calamities of the last days.

11. What will be the result of not watching?

“But and if that servant shall say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; and shall begin to beat the men servants and maidens, and to eat and drink, and to be drunken, _the lord of that servant will come in a day when he looketh not for him, and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him in sunder, and will appoint him his portion with the unbelievers_.” Luke 12:45, 46.

12. What will Christ’s servants be doing when He comes?

“Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning; and ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord, when he will return from the wedding; that when he cometh and knocketh, they may open unto him immediately. Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find _watching_.” Verses 35-37.

13. How general is the command to watch?

“And what I say unto _you_ I say unto _all_, WATCH.” Mark 13:37.

Answers To Prayer

Jacob Wrestling In Prayer. "If we ask anything according to His will, He
heareth us." 1 John 5:14.

1. How does God anticipate the needs of His children?

“And it shall come to pass, that _before they call, I will answer_; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear.” Isa. 65:24.

2. Is there any limit to God’s ability to help?

“Now unto Him that is _able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think_.” Eph. 3:20.

3. How fully has God promised to supply our needs?

“_My God shall supply all your need_ according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Phil. 4:19.

4. Do we always know what to pray for?

“Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: _for we know not what we should pray for as we ought_.” Rom. 8:26.

5. Does God always see fit to grant our petitions?

“For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And He said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Cor. 12:8, 9.

NOTE.—Paul’s affliction, it seems, was impaired sight. Acts 9:8,
9, 18; 22:11-13. The retaining of this imperfection would be a
constant reminder to him of his conversion, and hence a blessing
in disguise.

6. If an answer does not come at once, what should we do?

“Rest in the Lord, and _wait patiently for Him_.” Ps. 37:7.

7. Why was the parable of the importunate widow given?

“And He spake a parable unto them to this end, _that men ought always to pray, and not to faint_.” Luke 18:1.

NOTE.—The importunate widow got her request because of her
persistency. God wants us to _seek_ Him, and to seek Him
_earnestly_, when we pray. He is a rewarder of them that
_diligently_ seek Him. Heb. 11:6.

8. How did Elijah pray before obtaining his request?

“Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and _he prayed earnestly_ that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months. And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit.” James 5:17, 18. See Rev. 11:3-6.

9. Upon what condition does Christ say we shall receive?

“Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, _believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them_.” Mark 11:24.

10. Without this faith, will God answer prayer?

“_But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering._ For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For _let not that man think that he shall receive anything of the Lord_.” James 1:6, 7.

11. What petitions may we confidently expect God to hear?

“And this is the confidence that we have in Him, that, _if we ask anything according to His will_, He heareth us: and if we know that He hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of Him.” 1 John 5:14, 15.

NOTE.—God’s will is expressed in His law, His promises, and His
Word. Ps. 40:8; Rom. 2:17,18; 1 Peter 1:4.

12. When Daniel and his fellows were about to be slain because the wise men of Babylon could not reveal to Nebuchadnezzar his dream, how did God answer their united prayers?

“_Then was the secret revealed unto Daniel in a night-vision._ Then Daniel blessed the God of heaven.” Dan. 2:19.

NOTE.—In 1839 the sultan of Turkey decreed that not a
representative of the Christian religion should remain in the
empire. Learning of this, Dr. William Goodell, an American
missionary to Turkey, came home to his friend and colleague, Dr.
Cyrus Hamlin, the first president of Robert College,
Constantinople, with the sad news: “It is all over with us; we
have to leave. The American consul and the British ambassador say
it is no use to meet with antagonism this violent and vindictive
monarch.” To this Dr. Hamlin replied: “The Sultan of the universe
can, in answer to prayer, change the decree of the sultan of
Turkey.” They gave themselves to prayer. The next day the sultan
died, and the decree was never executed. See Dan. 4:17, 24, 25.

13. When Peter was imprisoned and about to be executed by Herod, what did the church do?

“Peter therefore was kept in prison: but _prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him_.” Acts 12:5.

14. How were their prayers answered?

“Behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, ... and he saith unto him, Cast thy garment about thee, and follow me.... And they went out, and passed on through one street; and forthwith the angel departed from him.” Verses 7-10.

15. Because Solomon asked for wisdom rather than for long life and riches, what besides wisdom did God give him?

“Because thou hast asked this thing, ... behold, I have done according to thy words: lo, I have given thee a wise and an understanding heart.... And I have also given thee that which thou hast not asked, _both riches, and honor_.” 1 Kings 3:11-13.

NOTE.—The following are some things we are taught in the
Scriptures to pray for:—

(1) For daily bread. Matt. 6:11. (2) For the forgiveness of sin. 2
Chron. 7:14; Ps. 32:5, 6; 1 John 1:9; 5:16. (3) For the Holy
Spirit. Luke 11:13; Zech. 10:1; John 14:16. (4) For deliverance in
the hour of temptation and danger. Matt. 6:13; John 17:11, 15;
Prov. 3:26; Psalm 91; Matt. 24:20. (5) For wisdom and
understanding. James 1:5; 1 Kings 3:9; Dan. 2:17-19. (6) For
peaceable and quiet lives. 1 Tim. 2:1, 2. (7) For the healing of
the sick. James 5:14, 15; 2 Kings 20:1-11. (8) For the prosperity
of the ministers of God and the gospel. Eph. 6:18, 19; Col. 4:3; 2
Thess. 3:1. (9) For those who suffer for the truth’s sake. Heb.
13:3; Acts 12:5. (10) For kings, rulers, and all in authority. 1
Tim. 2:1, 2; Ezra 6:10. (11) For temporal prosperity. 2 Cor. 9:10;
James 5:17, 18. (12) For our enemies. Matt. 5:44. (13) For all
saints. Eph. 6:18. (14) For all men. 1 Tim. 2:1. (15) For the Lord
to vindicate His cause. 1 Kings 18:30-39. (16) For the coming of
Christ and of God’s kingdom. Matt. 6:10; Rev. 22:20.

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Prayer makes the darkest cloud withdraw;
Prayer climbs the ladder Jacob saw,
Gives exercise to faith and love,
Brings every blessing from above.

Restraining prayer, we cease to fight;
Prayer makes the Christian’s armor bright;
And Satan trembles when he sees
The weakest saint upon his knees.

WILLIAM COWPER.

Public Worship

Solomon’s Temple. "Mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all
people." Isa. 56:7.

1. How only can God be truly worshiped?

“God is a Spirit: and _they that worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth_.” John 4:24.

2. How are we instructed to worship the Lord?

“Give unto the Lord the glory due unto His name; _worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness_.” Ps. 29:2.

3. What attitude is indicative of reverence in worship?

“O come, let us worship and _bow down_: let us _kneel_ before the Lord our Maker.” Ps. 95:6.

4. Is singing a part of divine worship?

“Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise.” “Come before His presence with _singing_.” Ps. 100:4, 2.

5. Does the Bible approve of the use of musical instruments in the worship of God?

“Praise Him with the sound of the _trumpet_: praise Him with the _psaltery_ and _harp_. Praise Him with the _timbrel_ and _dance_ [margin, _pipe_]: praise Him with _stringed instruments_ and _organs_. Praise Him upon the _loud cymbals_: praise Him upon the _high-sounding cymbals_.” Ps. 150:3-5. See also Ps. 92:1-3.

6. What is promised to those who wait upon the Lord?

“They that wait upon the Lord shall _renew their strength_; they shall _mount up with wings as eagles_; they shall _run, and not be weary_; and they shall _walk, and not faint_.” Isa. 40:31.

7. Is Christ’s presence limited to large congregations?

“Where _two or three_ are gathered together in My name, there am I in the midst of them.” Matt. 18:20.

8. What were David’s feelings concerning public worship?

“I was _glad_ when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lord.” “My soul _longeth_, yea, even _fainteth_ for the courts of the Lord: my heart and my flesh _crieth out_ for the living God.” “_For a day in Thy courts is better than a thousand._ I had rather be a _doorkeeper_ in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness.” Ps. 122:1; 84:2, 10.

9. What admonition has Paul given concerning assembling for public worship?

“_Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is_; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” Heb. 10:25.

10. Does God take account of the meetings of His people?

“Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another: _and the Lord harkened, and heard it_, and a book of remembrance was written before Him for them that feared the Lord, and that thought upon His name. And they shall be Mine, saith the Lord of hosts, in that day when I make up My jewels [margin, special treasure]; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him.” Mal. 3:16, 17.

11. Is there a blessing in habitual church attendance?

“Blessed are they that _dwell_ in Thy house: they will be still [ever and constantly] praising Thee.” “One thing have I desired of the Lord, that I will seek after; that I may _dwell_ in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in His temple.” Ps. 84:4; 27:4.

12. What caution is given regarding behavior in God’s house?

“Keep thy foot when thou goest to the house of God, and be more ready to hear, than to give the sacrifice of fools: for they consider not that they do evil.” Eccl. 5:1. See 1 Tim. 3:15.

13. What day has God specially designed for public worship?

“_The seventh day_ is a Sabbath of rest, _an holy convocation_.” Lev. 23:3.

14. How has God commanded us to keep this day?

“Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it _holy_.... In it thou shalt not do any work.” Ex. 20:8-10. See Isa. 58:13, 14.

15. Are offerings an appropriate part of divine worship?

“Give unto the Lord the glory due unto His name: _bring an offering_, and come into His courts.” “Vow, and pay unto the Lord your God: let all that be round about Him _bring presents unto Him_ that ought to be feared.” Ps. 96:8; 76:11.

16. Will there be public worship in the new creation?

“As the new heavens and the new earth, which I will make, shall remain before Me, saith the Lord, so shall your seed and your name remain. _And it shall come to pass, that from one new moon to another, and from one Sabbath to another, shall all flesh come to worship before Me_, saith the Lord.” Isa. 66:22, 23.

Rules On Going To Church

1. Go early to church. Not only be punctual, but be in your place
before the hour announced for the service to begin.

2. Go in a reverent spirit. On the way remember whither you go.
Avoid lightness of manner and conversation on worldly topics.

3. Before you enter and as you enter the church breathe a silent
prayer of invocation for the influence of the Holy Spirit.

4. As you take your place, bow your head reverently in prayer for
yourself and for all others who enter the sanctuary.

5. Resolve that you will foster no thought, fix your eyes on no
object, utter no word, that will tend to divert your mind from the
holy purpose for which you have come into this place.

6. As the minister enters the pulpit, offer an earnest silent
prayer in his behalf.

7. In all the service take an active part, as hearer, as
worshiper.

8. At the close of the service, after a moment of prayerful
silence, greet with cheerfulness and good will all whom you happen
to meet, remembering that Christian fellowship is a part of
Christian worship.—_Bishop Vincent._

NOTE.—An excellent suggestion is contained in the notice posted at
the doorway of many churches: “Whosoever thou art that entereth
this church, remember it is the house of God. Be reverent, be
silent, be thoughtful. And leave it not without a prayer to God,
for thyself, for him who ministers, and for those who worship
here.”

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Before Jehovah’s awful throne,
Ye nations, bow with sacred joy;
Know that the Lord is God alone;
He can create, and He destroy.

His sovereign power, without our aid,
Made us of clay, and formed us men;
And when like wandering sheep we strayed,
He brought us to His fold again.

ISAAC WATTS.

Reverence For The House Of God

A Jewish Synagogue. "Ye shall keep My Sabbaths, and reverence My
sanctuary." Lev. 19:30.

1. Why did God instruct His people to build a sanctuary?

“And let them make Me a sanctuary; _that I may dwell among them_.” Ex. 25:8.

2. How did He tell them to regard this dwelling-place of God?

“Ye shall keep My Sabbaths, and _reverence My sanctuary_: I am the Lord.” Lev. 19:30.

3. What does the Lord say of things dedicated to His service?

“Every devoted thing is _most holy_ unto the Lord.” Lev. 27:28.

4. When God met Moses at the burning bush, why did He tell him to take off his shoes?

“And He said, Draw not nigh hither: put off thy shoes from off thy feet, _for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground_.” Ex. 3:5. See also Joshua 5:15.

NOTE.—The presence of God made the place holy. Wherever God meets
with His people, that place is holy.

5. When the tabernacle was reared anciently, what occurred?

Jesus Cleansing The Temple. "Take these things hence; make not My Father’s
house an house of merchandise." John 2:16.

“Then a cloud covered the tent of the congregation, and _the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle_.” Ex. 40:34. See 2 Chron. 5:13, 14.

6. Why should all show respect for the house of worship?

“_The Lord is in His holy temple_: let all the earth keep silence before Him.” Hab. 2:20.

NOTE.—A failure to recognize this fact leads many to treat the
house of worship without due respect. Nothing seems more
appropriate to divine worship than that a sense of awe and silence
should pervade the place of worship, and that only the sound of
prayer, praise, and thanksgiving to God should be heard within its
walls. Both upon entering and just before leaving the house of God
it is highly appropriate and a most excellent practise for each
worshiper to bow the head for a few moments in silent prayer.

7. How did Christ manifest His regard for the sanctity of God’s house?

“And they come to Jerusalem: and Jesus went into the temple, and began to cast out them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the money-changers, and the seats of them that sold doves; and would not suffer that any man should carry any vessel through the temple. And He taught, saying unto them, Is it not written, My house shall be called of all nations the house of prayer? but ye have made it a den of thieves.” Mark 11:15-17.

NOTE.—This cleansing occurred at the close of Christ’s public
ministry. There was a similar cleansing also at the beginning of
His ministry. See John 2:13-17.

8. What punishment did God bring upon Nadab and Abihu for offering strange or common fire in the tabernacle service?

“And Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, took either of them his censer, and put fire therein, and put incense thereon, and offered strange fire before the Lord, which He commanded them not. _And there went out fire from the Lord, and devoured them, and they died before the Lord._” Lev. 10:1, 2.

NOTE.—This, like the two cleansings of the temple by Christ at the
beginning and close of His ministry (John 2:13-17; Matt.
21:12-16), shows that God is particular in regard to the worship
and conduct of the worshipers in His house. No performance or
exercise should be permitted in any church or building especially
dedicated to God’s service which is not in keeping with its sacred
character, or conducive to reverence for God and for holy things.
It should not be made a place for feasting, visiting, or worldly
entertainment and amusement.

9. For what purpose are we exhorted to have grace?

“Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, _whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear_: for our God is a consuming fire.” Heb. 12:28, 29.

10. In what spirit did David say he would worship?

“But as for me, I will come into Thy house in the multitude of Thy mercy: and _in Thy fear will I worship toward Thy holy temple_.” Ps. 5:7.

11. What instruction has Solomon given respecting our conduct in the house of God?

“Keep thy foot when thou goest to the house of God, and be more ready to hear, than to give the sacrifice of fools: for they consider not that they do evil.” Eccl. 5:1.

12. How extensively has God said He would be honored?

“For from the rising of the sun even unto the going down of the same My name shall be great among the Gentiles; and in every place incense shall be offered unto My name, and a pure offering: for My name shall be great among the heathen, saith the Lord of hosts.” Mal. 1:11.

13. For how many did God design that His house should be a house of prayer?

“Even them [the sons of the stranger] will I bring to My holy mountain, and make them joyful in My house of prayer: their burnt offerings and their sacrifices shall be accepted upon Mine altar; for Mine house shall be called _an house of prayer for all people_.” Isa. 56:7.

NOTE.—The fifty-sixth chapter of Isaiah contains a prophecy
relating to New Testament times. It is plain, therefore, that
Christ enunciated a general principle, applicable to all houses
dedicated to God’s service, when, quoting this prophecy, He said
that God’s house should be a house of prayer for all nations. See
margin of Mark 11:17.

14. Who is present in all assemblies met in Christ’s name?

“For where two or three are gathered together in My name, _there am I in the midst of them_.” Matt. 18:20.

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With reverence let the saints appear,
And bow before the Lord;
His high commands with reverence hear,
And tremble at His word.

O Jesus, Lord of earth and heaven,
Our life and joy, to Thee
Be honor, thanks, and blessing given
Through all eternity.

ISAAC WATTS.

Christian Communion

The Lord’s Supper. "This do in remembrance of Me." 1 Cor. 11:24.

1. What was connected with the worship of God before the first advent?

“Then verily the first covenant had also _ordinances of divine service_, and a worldly sanctuary.” Heb. 9:1.

NOTE.—Paul says that these ordinances consisted “in meats and
drinks, and divers washings,” imposed “until the time of
reformation,” and that they were “a shadow of good things to
come.” Heb. 9:10; 10:1.

2. To whom did the sacrificial offerings point forward?

“And walk in love, as _Christ_ also hath loved us, and _hath given Himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God_ for a sweet-smelling savor.” Eph. 5:2.

NOTE.—Through the provisions of the sacrificial law, the repentant
sinner showed his faith in the coming Redeemer, who was to shed
His blood for the sins of mankind. These sacrificial offerings
were ordinances which pointed forward to the work of Christ, which
they typified. Since the crucifixion, the ordinances of the
Christian church point backward, and are designed to show faith in
the work of Christ already accomplished.

3. What does the Lord desire us to keep in mind?

“By which also ye are saved, if ye _keep in memory_ what I preached unto you, ... _how that Christ died for our sins_ according to the Scriptures; and that He was _buried_, and that He _rose again_ the third day according to the Scriptures.” 1 Cor. 15:2-4.

4. What ordinance commemorates Christ’s burial and resurrection?

“Buried with Him in _baptism_, wherein also ye are risen with Him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised Him from the dead.” Col. 2:12.

5. For what purpose was the Lord’s Supper instituted?

“_The Lord Jesus the same night in which He was betrayed took bread_: and when He had given thanks, He brake it, and said, Take, eat: _this is My body_, which is broken for you: _this do in remembrance of Me_.” 1 Cor. 11:23, 24.

6. What is signified by the wine?

“In like manner also the cup, after supper, saying, This cup is _the new covenant in My blood_: this do, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of Me.” Verse 25, R. V.

7. What do both the bread and the wine commemorate?

“For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do show _the Lord’s death_ till He come.” Verse 26.

8. What caution is given concerning engaging in this ordinance unworthily?

“Whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be _guilty of the body and blood of the Lord_.... He that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, _not discerning the Lord’s body_.” Verses 27-29.

NOTE.—The last expression shows what is meant by eating and
drinking unworthily. It is not the one who has a deep sense of his
sinfulness and of his unworthiness of God’s mercy and grace, but
he who does not discern that Christ died for his sins—who is not
penitent—that eats and drinks unworthily.

9. What preparation should be made for this service?

“Let a man _examine himself_, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup.” Verse 28.

10. What is essential to Christian fellowship and cleansing from sin?

“_If we walk in the light, as He is in the light_, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin.” 1 John 1:7.

11. What still higher fellowship does the Christian enjoy?

“And truly our fellowship is _with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ_.” Verse 3.

Praise And Thanksgiving

Joy And Gladness. "O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name
together." Ps. 34:3.

1. When did the psalmist say he would bless the Lord?

“I will bless the Lord _at all times_: His praise shall _continually be in my mouth_.” “_Every day_ will I bless Thee; and I will praise Thy name _forever and ever_.” Ps. 34:1; 145:2.

2. What do those do who offer praise?

“Whoso offereth praise _glorifieth Me_.” Ps. 50:23.

3. Where does David say he will praise God?

“My praise shall be of Thee _in the great congregation_: I will pay my vows before them that fear Him.” Ps. 22:25.

4. What does he exhort all to do?

“O magnify the Lord with me, and _let us exalt His name together_.” Ps. 34:3.

5. What personal experience does he say he will declare in the hearing of all who fear God?

“Come and hear, all ye that fear God, and _I will declare what He hath done for my soul_.” Ps. 66:16.

6. What effect do such testimonies have upon the humble?

“My soul shall make her boast in the Lord: _the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad_.” Ps. 34:2.

7. Into what condition did those lapse anciently who failed to glorify God and to be thankful?

“Because that, when they knew God, they glorified Him not as God, neither were thankful; but _became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened_.” Rom. 1:21.

8. What element should enter into all our worship?

“Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication _with thanksgiving_ let your requests be made known unto God.” Phil. 4:6. See Col. 4:2.

9. In how many things should we give thanks?

“_In everything give thanks_: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” 1 Thess. 5:18.

10. How often, and for how much, should we render thanks?

“Giving thanks _always for all things_ unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Eph. 5:20.

11. With what exhortation does the psalmist close his songs of praise?

“Praise ye the Lord. Praise God in His sanctuary: praise Him in the firmament of His power. Praise Him for His mighty acts: praise Him according to His excellent greatness. Praise Him with the sound of the trumpet: praise Him with the psaltery and harp. Praise Him with the timbrel and dance: praise Him with stringed instruments and organs. Praise Him upon the loud cymbals: praise Him upon the high-sounding cymbals. Let everything that hath breath praise the Lord. Praise ye the Lord.” Psalm 150.

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O worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness,
Bow down before Him, His glory proclaim;
With gold of obedience, and incense of lowliness,
Kneel and adore Him, the Lord is His name.

Low at His feet lay thy burden of carefulness,
High on His heart He will bear it for thee,
Comfort thy sorrows, and answer thy prayerfulness,
Guiding thy steps as may best for thee be.

Fear not to enter His courts in the slenderness
Of the poor wealth thou wouldst reckon as thine:
Truth in its beauty, and love in its tenderness,
These are the offerings to lay on His shrine.

These, though we bring them in trembling and fearfulness,
He will accept for the Name that is dear;
Mornings of joy give for evenings of tearfulness,
Trust for our trembling, and hope for our fear.

The Value Of Song

David And His Harp. "Serve the Lord with gladness: come before His
presence with singing." Ps. 100:2.

1. How early in the world’s history do we read of singing?

“Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? ... _when the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy_?” Job 38:4-7.

2. What did Israel do when delivered from Egypt?

“Then sang Moses and the children of Israel this song unto the Lord, ... The Lord is my strength and song, and He is become my salvation: ... and I will exalt Him.” Ex. 15:1, 2.

3. How did the angels manifest their joy at Christ’s birth?

“And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” Luke 2:13, 14.

4. How are we told to come before the Lord?

“Serve the Lord with gladness: _come before His presence with singing_.” Ps. 100:2. See 2 Chron. 29:30.

5. How does David say such service is regarded by God?

“I will praise the name of God with _a song_, and will magnify Him with _thanksgiving_. _This also shall please the Lord better than an ox or bullock that hath horns and hoofs._” Ps. 69:30, 31.

6. What instruction did Paul give concerning singing?

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in _psalms_ and _hymns_ and _spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord_.” Col. 3:16. See also Eph. 5:19; James 5:13; Ps. 149:5, 6.

NOTES.—Music, like poetry and flowers, is elevating and refining
in its nature, and should therefore have its place in the worship
of God, and in the life and experience of God’s people. It is
adapted to every mood and feeling of the human soul, and many
times has reached hearts when other means have failed. Next to
prayer, music seems best adapted to worship.

“The history of the songs of the Bible is full of suggestion as to
the uses and benefits of music and song. Music is often perverted
to serve purposes of evil, and it thus becomes one of the most
alluring agencies of temptation. But, rightly employed, it is a
precious gift of God, designed to uplift the thoughts to high and
noble themes, to inspire and elevate the soul. As the children of
Israel, journeying through the wilderness, cheered their way by
the music of sacred song, so God bids His children today gladden
their pilgrim life. There are few means more effective for fixing
His words in the memory than repeating them in song. And such song
has wonderful power. It has power to subdue rude and uncultivated
natures; power to quicken thought and to awaken sympathy, to
promote harmony of action, and to banish the gloom and foreboding
that destroy courage and weaken effort.”—_“__Education,__”__ pages
167, 168._

“O that we might sing evening and morning, and let song touch song
all the way through! O that we could put songs under our burden! O
that we could extract the sense of sorrow by song! Then sad things
would not poison so much. Sing in the house; teach your children
to sing. When troubles come, go at them with song. When griefs
arise, sing them down. Lift the voice of praise against cares.
Praise God by singing; that will lift you above trials of every
sort. Attempt it. They sing in heaven, and among God’s people on
earth song is the appropriate language of Christian
feeling.”—_Henry Ward Beecher._

7. What instrument did John see the saints have?

“I saw ... them, ... _having the harps of God_.” Rev. 15:2.

8. And what song are they to sing?

“And they sing _the song of Moses_ the servant of God, _and the song of the Lamb_, saying, Great and marvelous are Thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are Thy ways, Thou King of saints.” Verse 3. See Ps. 87:7.

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Out of my heart I sing a song,
O world so great and grand!
But hearts are weak, and hands reach out
For the touch of a kindly hand.

O song that I sing, I pray you bring
To some sad soul thy balm;
Fall soft, I pray, like the breath of May,
Or the touch of a loving hand.

I sing for hearts that ache and break,
I sing for hearts that are true;
O world so vast, O world so wide,
I sing my song for you!