Matthew 7:7 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and you shall find; knock, and it shall be opened to you: In May almost always the Rogation Days come. The fitness of this. These days are meant to prepare the people's hearts for the coming festival of the Ascension; but mainly to be days of intercession " for the fruits of the earth, which are then tender, that they may not be blasted," as well as for health and peace at that season of the year when war and pestilence may be expected to begin. These intentions are indeed closely blended, for when our Lord ascended up on high He received gifts for men. I. We pray for a blessing upon the fruits of the earth. We can scarcely help it unless we are untrue to nature. Man's heart is on his fields; he has done all his work as far as crops are concerned — now he can only hope, watch, and pray. Now all depends upon what God will be pleased to do. We are not powerless: prayer is left to us. Thirteen centuries ago Rogation Days were first appointed; it was then felt that prayer was a power to secure peace and plenty. Though there is no service for these Days, there is nothing to prevent us from keeping them. Our great authority for them is found in the first and second chapters of Joel. In these days of agricultural depression we have need to remember them. (E. T. Marshall, M. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:WEB: "Ask, and it will be given you. Seek, and you will find. Knock, and it will be opened for you. |
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