92. Prayer Encouraged.

Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not. - Jeremiah 33:3.

THIS is a prison word: let those who are spiritually in prison prize it.

This was the second time the Lord had spoken to the prophet while in the dungeon. God leaves not his people because of their being in ill odour with the world, nor even when they are put into prison.

Nay, rather, he doubles his visits when they are in double trouble.

The first prison-word was a trial of Jeremiah's faith by obedience: he was to redeem the field at Anathoth; and this he did.

This second word tested his faith by prayer, and we doubt not that he endured the test, for in after days he saw great and mighty things, even as the Lord had promised.

The text belongs to every afflicted servant of God.

It encourages him in a threefold manner:

I. TO CONTINUE IN PRAYER. "Call unto me!"

1. Pray, though you have prayed. See previous chapter at 16th verse and onward.

2. Pray concerning your present trouble. In Jeremiah 32:24, the prophet mentions "the mounts" which were raised against Jerusalem, and in verse 4 of this chapter the Lord answers on that very point.

3. Pray, though you are still in prison after prayer. If deliverance tarries, make your prayers the more importunate.

4. Pray, for the word of the Lord comes to you with this command.

5. Pray, for the Holy Spirit prompts you, and helps you.

We need this precept because of our backwardness, forgetfulness, want of spirituality, and tendency to unbelief.

This precept is sent to us because of the Lord's wisdom, love, and condescending thoughtfulness for our welfare.

II. TO EXPECT ANSWERS TO PRAYER. "I will answer thee, and shew thee."

Usually the promise is to "hear" us: but when we are in trouble the promise is special: "I will answer thee."

The Lord will answer us because:

1. He has appointed prayer, and made arrangements for its presentation and acceptance. He could not have meant it to be a mere farce: that were to treat us as fools.

2. He prompts, encourages, and quickens prayer; and surely he would never mock us by exciting desires which he never meant to gratify. Such a thought well nigh blasphemes the Holy Ghost, who indites prayer in the heart.

3. His nature is such that he must hear his children.

4. He has given his promise in the text; and it is often repeated elsewhere: he cannot lie or deny himself.

5. He has already answered many of his people, and ourselves also.

We know that the only limit to the prevalence of prayer is our heavenly Father's wise and loving will; which, to his loving children, is really no limit whatever. Let us ask in faith, and look up in hope.

III. TO EXPECT GREAT THINGS AS ANSWERS TO PRAYER. "I will shew thee great and mighty things)"

Read the previous chapter from verse 18, and learn from it that we are to look for things—

1. Great in counsel: full of wisdom and significance.

2. Mighty in work: revealing might, and mightily effectual.

3. New things to ourselves, fresh in our experience, and therefore surpris- ing. We may expect the unexpected.

4. Divine things: "I will shew thee." These are enumerated in the verses which follow the text, even to the end of the chapter; such as these—

· Health and cure (verse 6).

· Liberation from captivity (verse 7).

· Forgiveness of iniquity (verse 8).

See how prayer increases the knowledge of those who know best.

See how saints may advance in experience by calling unto God.

See how sufferers may win unexpected deliverances.

See how workers may achieve surprising marvels.

See how seekers may find more than they dare expect!