The Spirit of Supplication

February 2    The spirit of supplication.

And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the 

inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of 

supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they 

have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one 

mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness

 for him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn.

Zechariah 12:10 

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 us; 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 the blessed Holy Spirit of grace and supplication.

Be careful less you grieve Him by your likeness, 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 the 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.

James Smith