The Pattern of Prayer

[Judah said], "Let not your anger burn against your servant."
GENESIS 44:18
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The Pattern of Prayer
This is a perfect pattern of prayer, yes, of the feeling which should be in a prayer. Judah is bold and confident and thinks neither of the might and power of Joseph nor of his own insignificance. His prayer and need make him bold. Consequently, he approaches Joseph without any trepidation. If we were able to pray so perfectly, especially in the name of Christ, our Savior and Mediator, it would be impossible for such a prayer not to be heard. . .. Now it is necessary above all to know for certain that we have the Word. For this is the foundation and basis of our assurance that we are hearers and that God is speaking with us. Concerning this no one should be in doubt; for he who does not know it, or doubts, will surely mumble prayers with the vain repetition customary among hypocrites. . .. But where this foundation, which is the Word of God, has been laid, there prayer is the ultimate help. No, it is not help; it is our power and victory in every trial. Thus God's Word declares: "Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you" (Psalm 50:15). And in Isaiah 65:24: "Before they call, I will answer; while they are yet speaking, I will hear." And Gabriel says to Daniel: “At the beginning of your supplications a Word went forth" (Daniel 9:23). For when the heart prays seriously and ardently, it is impossible for those prayers not to be heard by God as soon as one begins to pray.
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