Magnificent Prayer #195
Magnificent Prayer #195
The Spirit also helpeth our infirmities [and] maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.
Romans 8:26 KJV
The soul that prays rightly must do with the help and strength of the Spirit; because it is impossible that a Christian should express himself in prayer without it. By this I mean that it is impossible that the heart, in a sincere and affectionate way, should pour out itself before God, with those groans and signs that come from a truly praying heart, without the assistance of the Spirit.
It is not the mouth that is the main thing to be looked at in prayer, but whether the heart is so full of affection and earnestness in prayer with God that it is impossible to express their sense and desire; for then a man desires indeed, when his desires are so strong, many, and mighty, that all the words, tears and groans that come from the heart cannot utter them.
That is but poor prayer which is only one of words. A man that truly prays one prayer cannot express with his mouth or pen the unutterable desires, sense, affection, and longing that went to God in his prayer. The best prayers have often more groans than words: and those words that they have are but a lean and shallow representation of the heart, life, and spirit of prayer.
JOHN BUNYAN
Pray About It: The language of the Spirit is sometimes intelligible only to God. We are wordless because our heart is simply too full or too burdened for words to suffice.
Today, allow the Spirit of God to edit your prayers to the essential words necessary. He understands all the other words you would also say, the hidden ones that have prompted that one solitary effectual groan.
Groanings which cannot be uttered are often prayers which cannot be refused.
CHARLES HADDON SPURGEON
From the book
