In many trades it is customary to show samples or patterns: by these men judge of the goodness or quality of the whole. Paul sets himself forth as an example of the free, distinguishing, unmerited grace of God, that we should judge of its nature by its efficacy upon him: "for this cause I obtained mercy: that in me, first Jesus Christ might show forth all long-suffering, for a pattern to them who should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting." 1 Tim. 1:16.
Thou hast seen this pattern of free grace. What dost thou think of it? The whole is like the pattern. Grace finds no more pre-requisites or fitness in any than it did in Paul; and it produces the same effects in others as it did in him. Grace and mercy from Jesus makes Saul pray to Jesus: there is the emphasis: this is the main point: "Behold, he prayeth." To whom? Doubtless he had prayed much and often, while an unconverted pharisee; but it was to an unknown God. He knew there was a God: he knew it was his duty to pray to him; but he knew him not. But now Jesus speaks to him: God manifests himself to him in Christ: therefore, behold, take special notice of this, "Behold, he prayeth," to Jesus; to God in Christ. He no longer dares to come to God in his own name, to expect access to God and acceptance with him on account of his own sincerity or works of righteousness, but in the name, blood and righteousness of the Son of God only.
So he prayed, so he proved his conversion to Jesus: hence the true spirit of prayer manifested itself in him; his prayers were agreeable to, and sprung from his knowledge of himself as a poor sinner, and faith in the Son of God as the only Saviour. This is the prayer in which God delights, and which he especially notices as an evidence of true conversion. Hence know that prayerless souls are Christless. Prayer, without the knowledge of Christ, faith in him, hope of eternal life by him, and acceptance through him, is only lip service and formal duty. But the spirit of prayer arises in the heart from a discovery of God in Christ; the knowledge of him, by believing his word of grace and truth, and expecting his mercy and salvation, according to his great and precious promises given in Christ. Dost thou pray thus? Then it may be truly said of thee, behold thou art converted; thy prayers evidence it: the God who heareth prayer hath manifested himself to thee as he does not unto the world.