40 Questions
What was the occupation of Edward McKendree Bounds?
Methodist Episcopal Church South clergyman
How many books on prayer did Edward McKendree Bounds write?
9
What was the name of the grandson of William Parish Chilton who helped publish Bounds' manuscripts?
Claudius Lysias Chilton
How many books by Bounds were published before his death?
2
What is the title of the sixth book in the Bounds Spiritual Life Books series?
The Essentials of Prayer
What was the role of Rev. Homer W. Hodge in publishing Bounds' manuscripts?
Editor
What is the title of one of Bounds' books that is not focused on prayer?
Heaven: A Place - A City - A Home
What was the result of editing the Bounds Spiritual Life Books for the editor?
A great profit and blessing
What is the condition of successful praying?
Giving all of oneself to God
What does God want in answering prayers?
All that there is in man
What is the meaning of holiness in the context of prayer?
Wholeness
What is a man in prayer?
A unit
What is the role of the body in prayer?
It assumes the praying attitude
What is the result of giving oneself fully to God in prayer?
The largest results
What is required for a man to be used by God in prayer?
A whole-hearted devotion
What is the biblical prayer for the believer?
May God wholly sanctify you
What is the infallible sign of spiritual prosperity?
Growing in holiness
What can easily blind the eyes of Church leaders?
Material prosperity
When do seasons of spiritual advance often occur?
Rarely in the life of the Church
What can happen to the Church when material prosperity comes?
Decreased prayer and reliance on God
What is a characteristic of a praying people?
Deep spirituality
Why do revivals sometimes not occur in the Church?
The Church is not spiritually prepared
What is often required for revivals to occur in the Church?
A renowned evangelist
What is the focus of the Church in times of material prosperity?
Material prosperity and wealth
What is the characteristic of humility mentioned in the passage?
Willing to take the lowliest seat
What is the prayer of humility according to the passage?
A prayer to be kept humble and unknown
What is the characteristic of the Pharisee in the parable?
Self-conceit and self-praise
What is the result of the Pharisee's attitude in the parable?
He is condemned and rejected by God
What is the characteristic of the publican in the parable?
Self-depreciation and lowliness of mind
What is the result of humility according to the passage?
God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace to the humble
What is the value of humility according to the passage?
It is a garment that brings the praying soul near to God
What is the spirit of humility described as in the passage?
Poor in spirit, meek in behaviour
What is the outcome of a prayer that is impregnated with self-praise, self-congratulation, and self-exaltation?
It is rejected by God
What is the characteristic of the publican's prayer?
It is marked by a deep sense of sin and humility
What is the result of having a sense of sin and realizing one's utter unworthiness before God?
It fixes the roots of humility deep down in the soul
What is the beauty of humility in praying?
It is a beautiful and divine commendation
What is the result of having no righteousness of one's own to plead?
It is a sign of being happy
What is the condition in which humility flourishes?
A true and deep sense of sinfulness
Where does humility grow most rapidly and shine most brilliantly?
When one feels guilty and confesses all sin
What is the characteristic of the place where God dwells?
It is a lowly place
Study Notes
About the Author
- Edward McKendree Bounds was a clergyman of the Methodist Episcopal Church South and author of eleven books, nine of which focused on the subject of prayer.
- Only two of Bounds' books were published before he died.
- After his death, Rev. Claudius (Claude) Lysias Chilton, Jr. and Rev. Homer W. Hodge worked on preserving and preparing Bounds' collection of manuscripts for publication.
The Essentials of Prayer
- The whole man must be given to God in praying, and this is the secret of full consecration, a condition of successful praying.
- God wants, and must have, all that there is in man in answering his prayers.
- He must have whole-hearted men through whom to work out His purposes and plans concerning men.
- Holiness is wholeness, and God wants holy men, men whole-hearted and true, for His service and for the work of praying.
The Importance of Humility
- Humility is a key factor in prayer, and it is not given to self-exaltation.
- The prayer of humility is after this fashion: "Never let the world break in, Fix a mighty gulf between; Keep me humble and unknown, Prized and loved by God alone."
- Humility does not have its eyes on self, but rather on God and others.
- It is poor in spirit, meek in behavior, lowly in heart.
- Our Lord teaches that "every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted."
The Contrast between Pride and Humility
- The parable of the Pharisee and publican illustrates the contrast between pride and humility in prayer.
- The Pharisee, given over to self-conceit, wrapped up in himself, seeing only his own self-righteous deeds, catalogues his virtues before God, despising the poor publican.
- The publican, on the other hand, sees no good in himself, is overwhelmed with self-depreciation, and cries out, "God be merciful to me, a sinner."
The Results of Pride and Humility
- Pride brings a death-curse from God, and the praying soul is not near to God.
- Humility, on the other hand, brings the praying soul near to God, and it is good to be clothed with humility as with a garment.
- God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace to the humble.
The Need for Spiritual Growth
- Material prosperity is not the infallible sign of spiritual prosperity.
- If we are not growing in holiness, then we are doing nothing religious nor abiding.
- The seasons of material prosperity are rarely seasons of spiritual advance, either to the individual or to the Church.
- It is easy to lose sight of God when goods increase, and it is easy to lean on human agencies and cease praying and relying upon God when material prosperity comes to the Church.
Learn about the life and works of E.M. Bounds, a Methodist Episcopal Church South clergyman and author of 11 books focused on prayer.
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