A Victorian’s Religious Beliefs

PRAYER IS REASONABLE

Prayer is reasonable, and natural. In its own way, every living-growing thing prays. Vegetation reaches into the Earth Seeking food for its Roots, and finds it. Its upward growths pray to the heavens above for food, and rain, and dew and air and sun, and the prayer is answered. Every beast, and bird, prays to its parent for nourishment, and receives it. Every baby is ever seeking his food from his mother, and his “importunity” brings the blessing. And all children on Earth are constantly praying to their Fathers for protection, and all forms of help, and their deserving prayers are granted.

But the Rule in the Law of Prayer is that unless in some way we pray or ask, we do not receive; and unless we seek, we do not find. Also, that when we do pray, righteous prayers are answered. And when we really, and wisely seek, we find. Also, that prayer, like conversion, can work downward, as well as upward. It can bring evil as well as good, still, there are many beings who practically live and pray for evil, and they get it. And just so sure as a man seeks that which is bad, just so sure will he find it. He is bound to find it, for “seek and ye shall find” is the fixed law of life, and it has never failed in its workings, so that all prayers are answered, good and bad. God answers the good ones and the personified Spirit of Evil answers the bad ones. Hence we see that persistent prayers can bring into the human heart either hell or Heaven.

Well then, as prayer is a universal possession, it is logical to say that it is reasonable, and natural. If it is natural that children should loop up to, and ask help from, Fathers and Mothers, then it is natural for all dependent human beings to look up to and pray, and ask of God. Also, it is just as sure that God our Father will grant ours, right prayers, and “Help in every time of need”, as it is that our mothers and Fathers have done so all their days. It is therefore reasonable, and natural, and certain, that God does answer reasonable and right and good Prayers.

George Burgess, August 1899