The Christian in Complete Armour - Gurnall - LXVII - Direction Eleventh continued

Required readingThe Christian in Complete Armour by William Gurnall (Available from Amazon or free here) - Continue Direction Eleventh by reading the Second Way of Hindrance of the Third Design of Branch Third of the First General Part.

My summary

This week we conclude the First General Part of Direction Eleventh on prayer from: 'Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints." (Eph. 6:18) 

We learn that the Second Way of Hindrance by which Satan hinders the success of our prayers is by preventing the saint's belief that the prayers were heard..

Gurnall reduces this hindrance to three arguments.  Satan nourishes the Christian's unbelieving fears by:

(i) those sinful infirmities that cleave to his person and prayer;

(ii)  the deportment of God to the Christian in and after prayer;

(iii) the common providence of God, that he dispenseth the same things to the wicked without praying, which the saints receive praying.

What grabbed me

I liked the reminder to have believing prayer: 'And truly our unbelieving fears have no less power upon our hearts. They rob the Christian of the joy of his life—and man is but a sour piece of clay when that is gone. It is not praying, but believing prayer heard, that will make a glad heart and a cheerful countenance. Hannah often prayed; she was acquainted with the work many years, yet never had the burden of her spirit taken off till she had faith she should speed. Yea, moreover, they [unbelieving fears] weaken the spirit of prayer. He that expects little from prayer, will not be much in prayer. That trade is best tended which it is hoped will pay a man best for his pains in it.'

We must believe our prayers are heard if we are to benefit most from them.

Next week's reading

Continue Direction Eleventh by reading Division First of the Second General Part.

Now it's your turn
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.