“A dumb beggar gets an alms at Christ’s gate if he can but make signs, when his tounge cannot plead for himself”
This is a cheering sentence for the many poor souls who feel that they cannot find the words wherewith to pray. Sit down at mercy’s gate, and show your sores, and groan, and sigh. Let your rags ask for raiment, and your hunger plead for bread. Wounds are eloquent orators with a tender-hearted surgeon; expose your wounds to Jesus, and he will bind them up. Misery is mercy’s best constraint.
When the Psalmist could not pray a set prayer, he says, “I opened my mouth and panted.” He declares in another place that he panted like a thirsty hart: there is nothing articulate in panting, and yet no one ever misunderstood the meaning of the act.
Come, then, ye dumb beggars, and learn the language of signs. Come and pant, come and spread your misery before the eyes of mercy, and doubt not that he who knows the thoughts of the heart, will readily understand you and speedily grant your desires.
Flowers from a Puritan’s Garden by C.H. Spurgeon, pg 131
Picture: Rembrant- Beggar Woman Leaning on a Stick, 1646
Filed under: C.H. Spurgeon, Devotions~Quotes, Flowers From a Puritan's Garden
I’m getting better at recognizing Spurgeon before I am told the author’s name……:)
Excellent post.
Yes, same here! Same with Pink!
Oh, did thisever remind me of Romans 8:26–Spirit intercedes for us when we do not know how to pray, and Hebrews 7:25– “…since He always lives to make intercession for them.” His presence in heaven is our intercession. The Father always hears His prayers…”I knew that You always hear Me…”(John 11:42), so what great confidence we can have with our failures and difficulties and inadequacies in prayer that Jesus has us covered!!
I love this! Thank you!
Thanks Jo. I too seem to be another needy visitor to your site today!
Thanks for these words of encouragement, it’s always good to remember the Lord knows our needs before we even articulate them.
Maranatha!
John
I needed this! I am oft discouraged from praying because I feel so at loss, or if I do pray I feel it to be less than adequate. Thank you, thank you!
Yes, yes! I needed this, especially with my illness, my brain shuts down very quickly from lack of O2, so all I can do is turn my face toward heaven and say, ‘Ugh”. lol. Even on a good day- far cry from adequate (aren’t we all!!) Glad you were encouraged, Petra.
I’m encouraged by the post and your comment! You’re in my prayers.
Thanks much! You and the family are always in my prayers-love to you sis!