Thomas Brooks, the puritan pastor and teacher, keeps bringing us back to the simplicity of prayer. As children of God we have been brought into special privileges. Christ Jesus brought us into a divine inheritance. As we read the Scriptures we learn of the inheritance that Christ has made available for us. This inheritance is not for everyone, but for those in the Kingdom, purchased of God by the holy blood of Jesus Christ. The privileges of heaven do not belong, and therefore are not available, to those who refuse to come to the wedding feast at the table of God. Those who are outside of the glorious Kingdom do not have rights to the blessings and privileges that are within the Kingdom. Yet, the saints whom Christ as purchased with His life, these are the ones with heavenly privileges. Yes, these are the ones the Father as invited to enter the secret place of prayer–in the proverbial closet, to ask, seek, and knock for the spiritual graces and heavenly rains.
Come, the Father calls. Come and inquire; ask for what Christ has made available for you. No longer enemies of God. No longer strangers to the Kingdom or the King. Children and servants of the Most High God; you are citizens of heaven. Take the Father’s invitation and call upon His mercies and gracious promises that He has spoken of in His word. What are you waiting for? The God of prayer is waiting for you to ask.
Do you need strength or patience, or perhaps zeal added to your faith? Courage? Understanding in the divine truths of Scripture? A refreshed soul? Healing for a weary or wounded soul? Joy unspeakable and full of glory? The list goes on and on.
Do you know others who need you to ask on their behalf? Of course, we all do. We have family, spiritual brothers and sisters, and the harvest fields are needing laborers. If the mercies and graces of heaven are available to you, then go to the Father on their behalf and pray on their behalf. The closet door is open. The Father is waiting.
Take Thomas Brook’s leading:
… the choice privileges that thou art interested in, calls aloud for private prayer.
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Brooks, T. (1866). The Complete Works of Thomas Brooks. (A. B. Grosart, Ed.) (Vol. 2, p. 219). Edinburgh; London; Dublin: James Nichol; James Nisbet and Co.; G. Herbert.
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