The Prayers of One Obscure Person - from Jonathan Edwards

Jonathan Edwards wrote in his diary:

Wednesday, Feb. 5 [1724]. I have not in times past, in my prayers, enough insisted on the glorifying of God in the world, on the advancement of the kingdom of Christ, the prosperity of the church, and the good of man. Determined that this objection is without weight, viz. that it is not likely that God will make great alterations in the whole world, and overturnings in kingdoms and nations, only for the prayers of one obscure person, seeing such things used to be done in answer to the united prayers of the whole church; and that if my prayers should have some influence, it would be but imperceptible and small.

Thoughts about Edwards' Thoughts

CONVICTION OVER THE LACK OF PERSONAL PRAYER

I have not in times past, in my prayers, enough insisted on the glorifying of God in the world, on the advancement of the kingdom of Christ, the prosperity of the church, and the good of man.

WHAT HE SUGGESTS HE SHOULD BE PRAYING FOR

• the glorifying of God in the world,
• the advancement of the kingdom of Christ,
• the prosperity of the church,
• the good of man.

ARGUMENT OF THE FLESH THAT HINDERED HIS PRAYERS

Determined that this objection is without weight, viz.
that it is not likely that God will make great alterations in the whole world, and overturnings in kingdoms and nations, only for the prayers of one obscure person, seeing such things used to be done in answer to the united prayers of the whole church; and that if my prayers should have some influence, it would be but imperceptible and small.

IMPLICATIONS, GIVEN THE OBJECTION IS WITHOUT WEIGHT

It is very possible that God will make great alterations in the whole world, and overturnings in kingdoms and nations, only for the prayers of one obscure person, even though such things used to be done in answer to the united prayers of the whole church.

A CALL TO BOLD, FAITH-FILLED PRAYER

Pray earnestly (insisting on) for the glorifying of God in the world, the advancement of the Kingdom of Christ, the prosperity of the church, and the good of man, knowing that it is very possible that God will make great alterations in the whole world, and overturnings in kingdoms and nations, even from the prayers of one obscure person, even though such things used to be done in answer to the united prayers of the whole church.