All spiritual prayer is produced by the Holy Spirit; He convinces us of need, discovers to us the fulness of Jesus, leads us to the throne of grace, and helps our infirmities there.
The very desire to pray is from Him, and the liberty we enjoy in prayer is His gift. But how dreadful a thing is sin, and how condescending is the Holy Spirit. He sympathizes with us, and maketh intercession for us, with unutterable expressions of distress; with groanings which cannot be uttered. Sin has rendered us so vile, that no sacrifice but that of the Son of God Himself, could atone for sin; and so weak, that none but the Holy Spirit can enable us to pray with fervour, faith, and success.
See, beloved, how deep are your obligations, and how great your dependence upon this blessed Spirit of grace and supplications. Be careful, lest you grieve Him by your lightness, worldliness, or lukewarmness; but sow unto the Spirit, and you shall reap life everlasting. He will testify to you of Jesus, and bless you with liberty and peace.
I want a heart to pray, To pray and never cease, Never to murmur at Thy stay Or wish my sufferings less.
I want a godly fear, A quick-discerning eye, That looks to Thee when sin is near, And sees the tempter fly.
Written by James Smith for his own flock around 1840, but such was the demand that by 1846 over thirty thousand copies where in circulation.
James Smith was a predecessor of Charles Spurgeon at New Park Street Chapel in London from 1841-1850. He also ministered with great blessing in Cheltenham. His devotional, The Believer's Daily Remembrancer, subtitled Pastor's Morning and Evening Visit, was very popular in its own day, and has received a new lease of life through recent republication.
All spiritual prayer is produced by the Holy Spirit; He convinces us of need, discovers to us the fulness of Jesus, leads us to the throne of grace, and helps our infirmities there.
The very desire to pray is from Him, and the liberty we enjoy in prayer is His gift. But how dreadful a thing is sin, and how condescending is the Holy Spirit. He sympathizes with us, and maketh intercession for us, with unutterable expressions of distress; with groanings which cannot be uttered. Sin has rendered us so vile, that no sacrifice but that of the Son of God Himself, could atone for sin; and so weak, that none but the Holy Spirit can enable us to pray with fervour, faith, and success.
See, beloved, how deep are your obligations, and how great your dependence upon this blessed Spirit of grace and supplications. Be careful, lest you grieve Him by your lightness, worldliness, or lukewarmness; but sow unto the Spirit, and you shall reap life everlasting. He will testify to you of Jesus, and bless you with liberty and peace.
I want a heart to pray, To pray and never cease, Never to murmur at Thy stay Or wish my sufferings less.
I want a godly fear, A quick-discerning eye, That looks to Thee when sin is near, And sees the tempter fly.