But I said that generally, whenever, that is, there is no harm to ourselves in what we ask, GOD gives us what we pray for; and I produced proofs, which might be multiplied manifold that it is so. “Go thy way; and as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee.” Surely this is worth a thought; not only, or chiefly, as showing us GOD’S marvellous condescension and the efficacy of prayer, but as admonishing us that the height, the amount, the nature of our blessedness, depends upon ourselves, upon what we ask in prayer. What a solemn consideration is this! GOD sits upon His heavenly throne, with listening ear and outstretched hands; angels wait to waft our supplications to His presence, the Holy Spirit to make intercession for us, the blessed Son to present our cause and plead it! It only remains for us to ask. Whatever we ask, if we are faithful, if it is good, we shall receive. What we ask not, that we shall not receive. Think of that, brethren! Call to mind, as far as you can, what kind of prayers you have been wont to make. Review your past and present state. In anything are you spiritually unblessed? Have you only an inferior blessedness? Ah! have you not all that you prayed for? Lack you not just that, which you never faithfully sought? This life, and the things of this life, have been often in your thoughts, and in your prayers, for yourselves and for others. You have prayed that GOD would preserve you, that He would defend you from danger and gross temptation, that He would give you health, and comfort, and earthly blessing, that He would protect and prosper those you love. You have not prayed much for spiritual blessings, or you have been content with supplicating inferior spiritual blessings. A clean heart, a renewed mind, lively faith, heavenly peace, joy in the Holy Ghost,—if these are not yours, do you not know why? It is because you never asked for them, or, at least, never asked with that appreciation, that earnestness which alone prevails with GOD. GOD is willing to give them. GOD has promised to give them. He stands ever ready to fulfil His promise. But, nevertheless, for these things he will be inquired of. The measure of the expressed desire is the measure of the supply. Nothing less, in most cases nothing different, and always nothing more, may you expect from GOD, than that which you ask. O let the knowledge of this truth kindle in you desires, and teach you words wherewith to approach GOD. Miss not His choicest gifts for want of asking. Prefer not for yourselves that which is earthy, and poor, and fleeting. Thrust not away—and you do thrust away, if you do not woo—perfect spiritual blessedness. When next you kneel before GOD, whenever henceforth you kneel before Him, remember that while He is the owner and ready-giver of all good gifts, it is yet only what you ask that you will receive of Him. As thou hast believed, so shall it be done unto thee.