Psalms 116:1 - Homilies By S. Conway

I love the Lord, because.

I. WE MIGHT FILL UP THE TEXT IN MANY WAYS . As St. John does, "because God first loved us." Or because of what he is in himself. Or because of what he has done for us, is doing, and will do for us or for others dear to us. And there are other ways still.

II. HOW IT IS FILLED UP . "Because he hath heard my voice," etc. God's heating of our prayer is the reason given for loving him.

1. Now , can we say this? Not if we never pray. Not if we do not look out for the answers in the right way—believing—and in the place where they are to be looked for.

2. But many , like the psalmist , can say this .

III. AND HOW REASONABLE IS THIS FILLING UP ! It is fitting that we should "love the Lord, because," etc. If we think of the sad characteristics of our prayers. How unworthy! How slow we are to pray I What a number of desires we have! What unbelief mingles with them! How trivial! How impatient! How misused! What his answering of our prayers has cost!

CONCLUSION .

1. If he hears our prayer, he shall hear our praise, and we will hear his word.

2. And we will tell others of this.—S.C.