The works of the Rev. John Wesley, Vol. 07 (of 32)Wesley, John
Religion
The works of the Rev. John Wesley, Vol. 07 (of 32)
Wesley, John
Methodist Church; Theology -- Early works to 1800; Theology -- History -- 18th century
But when a man has had so much benefit from the gospel, as to know his
own want of a Redeemer, who he is, and how he is to be found; there
every thing seems to be done, both to awaken and direct his prayer, and
make it a true praying in and by the spirit. For when the heart really
pants after God, its prayer is a praying, as moved by the Spirit of God;
it is the breath or inspiration of God, stirring, moving, and opening
itself in the heart. Nothing can have the least desire to ascend to
heaven, but that which came down from heaven; and therefore nothing in
the heart can pray, and long after God, but the Spirit of God moving
and stirring in it. Every breath therefore of the true spirit of prayer,
is nothing else but the Spirit of God, breathing, inspiring, and moving
the heart, in all its variety of motions and affections, towards God.
And therefore every time a good desire stirs in the heart, a good
prayer goes out of it, that reaches God, as being the fruit and work
of his holy Spirit. When any man, feeling his corruption, looks up to
God, with desire to be delivered from it, whether with words or without
words, how can he pray better? What need of any change of thoughts,
or words, or any variety of expressions, when the one desire of his
heart made known to God, and continued in, is not only all, but the
most perfect prayer he can make? Again, suppose the soul in another
state, feeling with joy its offered Redeemer, and opening its heart
for the full reception of him; if it stands in this state of wishing
and longing for Christ, how can its prayer be in an higher degree?
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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