One Sigh and Groan
The sermon emphasizes that prayer is not about eloquent language, but about pouring out one's soul to God with sincerity and brokenness.
Thomas Brooks emphasizes that the essence of prayer is not found in eloquent words but in the sincerity of the heart expressed through sighs and groans. He reassures those who feel inadequate in their prayer life that even the simplest expressions of a broken heart are pleasing to God. The sermon highlights that God values the authenticity and emotional depth of our prayers over their formality. Brooks encourages believers to pour out their souls to God, as true prayer comes from a place of genuine need and brokenness. Ultimately, it is the heart's cry that resonates with God, not the perfection of language.
Text
Some may think that they lack the ability to pour
out their souls before the Lord in secret. I answer,
You cannot pray; but can you not sigh? can you not
groan? There may be the Spirit of adoption in sighs
and groans, as well as in vocal prayer. The force, the
virtue, the efficacy, the excellency of prayer does not
consist in the number and flourish of words;but in the
supernatural motions of the Spirit--in sighs, and groans,
and pangs, and strong affections of heart, which are
unspeakable and unutterable. Certainly, the very soul
of prayer lies in the pouring out of a man's soul before
the Lord, though it be but in sighs, groans, and tears.
One sigh and groan from a broken heart, is more
pleasing to God, than all human eloquence.
Remember, that God is no critical observer of the poor
expressions which fall from His poor children, when they
are in prayer. He is such a Father as is very well pleased
with the broken expressions and flawed stammerings of
His people when they pray. It is not a flood of words, nor
studied notions, nor seraphical expressions, nor elegant
phrases in prayer--which takes the ear, or which delights
the heart of God, or which opens the gates of glory, or
which brings down the best of blessings upon the soul;
but uprightness, holiness, heavenliness, spiritualness, and
brokenness of heart. These are the things which make a
conquest upon God, and bring most benefit to the soul.
Sermon Outline
- The Power of Sighs and Groans in Prayer
- The Importance of Pouring Out the Soul
- What Takes the Ear of God in Prayer
- The Spirit of Adoption in Sighs and Groans
- The Virtue of Prayer Lies in Supernatural Motions
- The Soul of Prayer Lies in Broken Expressions
- God is Pleased with Broken Expressions
- Uprightness, Holiness, and Heavenliness
- Brokenness of Heart Brings Conquest
Key Quotes
“One sigh and groan from a broken heart, is more pleasing to God, than all human eloquence.” — Thomas Brooks
“It is not a flood of words, nor studied notions, nor seraphical expressions, nor elegant phrases in prayer--which takes the ear, or which delights the heart of God, or which opens the gates of glory, or which brings down the best of blessings upon the soul;” — Thomas Brooks
“God is such a Father as is very well pleased with the broken expressions and flawed stammerings of His people when they pray.” — Thomas Brooks
Application Points
- We should focus on being sincere and genuine in our prayers, rather than trying to use eloquent language.
- Our prayers should be characterized by uprightness, holiness, and heavenliness.
- Brokenness of heart is a key component of effective prayer.