Essex Congregational Remembrancer Romans 8:26-27 Likewise the Spirit also helps our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought… Consider — I. THE DISCOURAGEMENTS THAT WEAK BELIEVERS EXPERIENCE IN THEIR ATTEMPTS TO PRAY. We do not now refer to the many external discouragements. A devotional spirit may be restrained and destroyed from worldly associations, a multiplicity of engagements, but the apostle calls on us to notice those internal discouragements that arise from "our infirmities." Even the apostles were not exempt from the infirmities which are found — 1. In the matter of our prayers. "We know not what to pray for." This arises — (1) From ignorance. (2) From a moral destitution. (3) From a want of suitable dispositions of mind. 2. In the manner of our prayers. We know not how to pray as we ought. So confused, unconnected, and incoherent, are our prayers. If our petitions are not immediately answered, we are unwilling to wait any longer. "We knock at mercy's door and run away." There is oftentimes much pride and selfishness mixed with our prayers. Sometimes the desire of a present indulgence makes us forgetful of duties, an attention to which would yield us more solid and lasting enjoyment. Sometimes the dread of a present evil leads to the use of arguments and expressions unsuited to our true character and condition. II. THE ENCOURAGEMENT WE HAVE TO SEEK DIVINE ASSISTANCE IN THIS IMPORTANT DUTY. In reference to this promise of the Spirit's intercession and help. Observe — 1. That it does not render the exercise of the mind unnecessary (1 Corinthians 14:15). We are not dealt with as automatons in religion. 2. Neither does it render nugatory the intercession of Christ (ver. 34). Both are necessary. There is a material difference in their intercession. Christ pleads and procures our reconciliation and pardon, without us; the Spirit co-operates to the same end by His gracious influences within us. Christ by His all-sufficient merits intercedes for His people now in heaven; the Spirit is engaged in applying the benefits of His death to our hearts here on earth. 3. But the promise is designed to teach us that the agency of the Spirit in prayer is indispensable. It is called the Spirit of grace and supplication, and we are exhorted to pray in the Holy Ghost. And our Saviour shows that we cannot rightly perform the duty without it (Luke 11:10-13). III. THE USE WE SHOULD MAKE OF THIS SUBJECT. It should serve — 1. To quicken the indolent. 2. To encourage the timid. 3. To alarm the presumptuous. (Essex Congregational Remembrancer.) Parallel Verses KJV: Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. |
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