Helpless Believers and Prayer
This morning, let me share a great thought with you concerning this matter of prayer. O. Hallesby in his classic little book, PRAYER, says one of the key attitudes for effective praying is a strong sense of Helplessness. Two quotes from his book are worth the read:
1) This is unquestionably the first and surest indication of a praying heart. As far as I can see, prayer has been ordained only for the helpless. It is the last resort of the helpless. Indeed the very last way out.
2) Prayer therefore consist simply in telling God day by day in what ways we feel helpless. We are moved to pray every time the Spirit of God, which is the spirit of prayer, emphasizes anew our helplessness, and we realize how impotent we are by nature to believe, to love, to hope, to serve, to sacrifice, to suffer, to read the bible, to pray, and to struggle against our sinful desires.
My translation, helpless times can be a great asset to us. After all, when we are at the end of our proverbial rope God's prayer channel indicates a strong signal for our weak prayers.
With all this in mind, I have discovered that in times of helplessness my prayers seem so weak, a cry for help may be the most profound words I can muster. But this simple cry is not without assistance.
Read the Apostle's words to the Roman believers of his day, the Spirit helps us in our weakness (helpless state). We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. Romans 8:26
In this context listen to what Theologian Lewis Chafer once said, “Groanings which cannot be uttered- expresses at once the vastness of our need, our utter ignorance and inability, and the infinite concern of the blessed indwelling Spirit for us........ Groaning, what a word! And to be used of the Spirit of the Almighty Himself! How shallow is our appreciation of what is done, both by Christ for us, and by the Spirit within us.”
Friends, let me encourage you as I encourage myself, Christ and the Spirit are both praying for us and with us in times of helplessness.
Let me wrap these thoughts up with a quote from the great Charles Spurgeon,
"Groanings which cannot be uttered are often prayers which cannot be refused."
I am very encouraged by this, Pastor Ted. Indeed, my helplessness has allowed me to seek the Lord in prayer and surrender. Prayer and praying have taken a very vital place in my day to day life and most importantly, in my relationship to God. Thank you for reminding me once again that Christ and the Holy Spirit is at work in me. God bless you~ Katherine Alvarado
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