THE FAMILY ALTAR

May 28.

"For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for-

ever. Amen." Matt. 6, 13.

May we really ask our heavenly Father with all boldness and

confidence for all the priceless gifts included in these seven peti-

tions ? Are we not asking too much for Him to give us ? No !

While the gifts are beyond all human computation, our heavenly

Father can and will grant them; for, in the first place, His is

the kingdom. He is Lord over all, as David prays so inspiringly,

1 Chron. 29, 11 : "Thine, 0 Lord, is the greatness, and the power,

and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty; for all that is

in the heaven and in the earth is Thine; Thine is the kingdom,

0 Lord, and Thou art exalted as Head above all." He is the

King, we are His subjects and have the right to seek His help

and protection in time of need. Secondly, His is the power.

There is nothing impossible with Him. Who can withstand His

mighty will? So He can grant our petitions, for He has all

power in heaven and in earth. Thirdly, His is the glory. In

hearing the prayers of His children He manifests His glory,

reveals His adorable goodness and power. His is the kingdom,

and the power, and the glory forever and ever. He remains the

same rich, mighty, and merciful God through all eternity. We can

come to Him at all times and find in Him ever the same Lord,

rich unto all that call upon Him. (Rom. 10, 12.) — But does not

our experience prove that the Lord at times does not answer

prayer? Yes, the Lord in His superior wisdom and goodness

often does not answer our prayer at the time and in the manner

we would like to have Him answer it. But where has any subject

the right to dictate to the king how he should comply with his

requests? "This is the confidence that we have in Him, that, if

we ask anything according to His will, He heareth us." (1 John

5, 14.)