I pray you take as much encouragement as I just did upon reading this devotional by Charles Spurgeon.
“And He went a little farther, and fell on His face, and prayed.” Matthew 26:39
“THERE are several instructive features in our Saviour’s prayer in His hour of trial. It was lonely prayer. He withdrew even from His three favoured disciples.
Believer, be much in solitary prayer, especially in times of trial. Family prayer, social prayer, prayer in the Church, will not suffice, these are very precious, but the best beaten spice will smoke in your censer in your private devotions, where no ear hears but God’s.
It was humble prayer. Luke says He knelt, but another evangelist says He “fell on His face.” Where, then, must be THY place, thou humble servant of the great Master? What dust and ashes should cover thy head! Humility gives us good foot-hold in prayer. There is no hope of prevalence with God unless we abase ourselves that He may exalt us in due time.
It was filial prayer. “Abba, Father.” You will find it a stronghold in the day of trial to plead your adoption. You have no rights as a subject, you have forfeited them by your treason; but nothing can forfeit a child’s right to a father’s protection. Be not afraid to say, “My Father, hear my cry.”
Observe that it was persevering prayer. He prayed three times. Cease not until you prevail. Be as the importunate widow, whose continual coming earned what her first supplication could not win. Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving.
Lastly, it was the prayer of resignation. “Nevertheless, not as I will, but as thou wilt.” Yield, and God yields. Let it be as God wills, and God will determine for the best.
Be thou content to leave thy prayer in his hands, who knows when to give, and how to give, and what to give, and what to withhold.
So pleading, earnestly, importunately, yet with humility and resignation, thou shalt surely prevail.”
“Yield, and God yields.” Wow! Not as a coward but as a humbled, emptied servant lover of God and His righteousness!
Thank you for posting this great gem for us today. May everyone find his/her much needed treasure within these words!
Love and blessings!
Yes, Petra.
I loved this expression right here…”the best beaten spice will smoke in your censer in your private devotions, where no ear hears but God’s.”
So many secret longings and private confessions that only God Himself can be trusted with.
Love you my friend and sister.
This is wonderful Christina! These words of Spurgeon are all TRUE! TRUE! TRUE!
“the best beaten spice will smoke in your censer in your private devotions, where no ear hears but God’s.”
There is no substitute for pouring out our hearts to God in secret. How often I will find myself frustrated and succumbing to worldly attitudes only to realize that I have not poured my heart out to Him in private that day.
And when my heart is cold and dull – if I will just go and tell Him that it is cold and dull and ask Him to warm it up, HE ALWAYS DOES!!! Hallelujah, what a Savior!
God bless you today my dear friend. I love you much!
See my note to Petra and you will see that you and I both responded to the same expression:
“the best beaten spice will smoke in your censer in your private devotions, where no ear hears but God’s.”
He truly is our our only safety. Where else can we find refuge but with Him in prayer?
Love you dearly!
Thanks, Christina. This has encouraged my heart in my feeble attempts at prayer.
Praying for you dear friend! I am glad that it encouraged you as much as it did me! Love you dearly!
We must be subscribing the same devotionals 😉 I found this deeply encouraging when I read it the other day too! Hope you are having a blessed Lord’s Day, friend! Love you!
Hollie, you know, you and I probably have a lot of overlap!! : ) I’m so glad it was as much an encouragement to you as it was me!
I’ ve been a little light on the blogging scene but, Lord willing, I’ll be visiting your place soon! Looking forward to catching up on your series on The Doctrines of Grace! You are soooo brave!!!
Christina,
The quote you referred to was the very one that grabbed me, too! Thank you for this encouraging post. It’s especially helpful as we’re learning more about prayer as a family. Much love to you!
Blessings to you, Trisha! May the Lord continue to knit your family together in Christ as you study together! You are such a blessing and an encouragement me to me! Love you!
“Be thou content to leave thy prayer in his hands, who knows when to give, and how to give, and what to give, and what to withhold.”
Great stuff! Thanks so much for sharing!
Thanks Ink! Happy Friday! I’ll be visiting you — Lord willing, this weekend! : )
I love Spurgeon and this is just what I needed today. Sometimes I allow circumstances to drag me down instead of going into solitary prayer. Thank you for sharing this….God put it on your heart and I appreciate you for your obedience!
Blessings!
Good morning Barbara!
Yes, it was just what the doctor ordered when I read this, too!
True contentment has nothing to do with external conditions or circumstances but is found in Christ — and in Him alone.
What rock! What a refuge! There is no safer place to be but in His presence in prayer! Lord bless you today and all that concerns you my dear friend!