‘The spirit of grace and supplication’ (Zechariah 12:10)

All spiritual prayer is produced by the Holy Spirit; He convinces us of need, discovers to us the fullness 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 sympathises with us, and makes intercession for us, with groans that words cannot express. Sin has rendered us so vile, that no sacrifice but that of the Son of God Himself could atone for us; and so weak, that none but the Holy Spirit can enable us to pray with fervour, faith and success.

See, beloved, how deep your obligations are, and how great your dependence upon this blessed Spirit of grace and supplication. Be careful in case you grieve Him by your lightness, worldliness, or lukewarmness; but sow unto the Spirit and you shall reap everlasting life. 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.

THE DAILY REMEMBRANCER by James Smith (1802-1862)

 

Journal Jottings

‘At this time every gleam of comfort made me more prayerful, and in prayer I was enabled in a measure to cast my burden on the Lord. I now felt a more than ordinary desire to read and meditate on God’s most holy word, and often found it sweet in the midst of trouble.’