Spurgeon: March AM
* 03/22/AM
"And He went a little farther, and fell on His face, and
prayed."
--Matthew 26:39
There are several instructive features in our Saviour's
prayer in His hour of trial. It was lonely prayer . He withdrew
even from His three favoured disciples. Believer, be much in
solitary prayer, especially in times of trial. Family prayer,
social prayer, prayer in the Church, will not suffice, these are
very precious, but the best beaten spice will smoke in your
censer in your private devotions, where no ear hears but God's.
It was humble prayer . Luke says He knelt, but another
evangelist says He "fell on His face." Where, then, must be THY
place, thou humble servant of the great Master? What dust and
ashes should cover thy head! Humility gives us good foot-hold
in prayer. There is no hope of prevalence with God unless we
abase ourselves that He may exalt us in due time.
It was filial prayer . "Abba, Father." You will find it a
stronghold in the day of trial to plead your adoption. You have
no rights as a subject, you have forfeited them by your treason;
but nothing can forfeit a child's right to a father's
protection. Be not afraid to say, "My Father, hear my cry."
Observe that it was persevering prayer . He prayed three
times. Cease not until you prevail. Be as the importunate widow,
whose continual coming earned what her first supplication could
not win. Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with
thanksgiving.
Lastly, it was the prayer of resignation . "Nevertheless,
not as I will, but as thou wilt." Yield, and God yields. Let it
be as God wills, and God will determine for the best. Be thou
content to leave thy prayer in his hands, who knows when to
give, and how to give, and what to give, and what to withhold.
So pleading, earnestly, importunately, yet with humility and
resignation, thou shalt surely prevail.