Remember this-all the sighing, mourning, sobbing, and complaining in the world, does not so undeniably evidence a man to be humble, as his overlooking his own righteousness, and living really and purely upon the righteousness of Christ.
Prayer crowns God with the honor and glory due to His name, and God crowns prayer with assurance and comfort. The most praying souls are the most assured souls.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote describes the reciprocal relationship between prayer and divine assurance, emphasizing the honor given to God through prayer and the comfort received in return.
In this quote, Thomas Brooks highlights the profound significance of prayer in a believer's life. He suggests that when individuals engage in prayer, they honor and glorify God, recognizing His sovereignty and majesty. In turn, God rewards the act of prayer with assurance and comfort to those who earnestly seek Him. The idea is that those who pray the most deeply and sincerely experience a greater sense of security and peace in their faith, as their connection to God strengthens through their petitions and praises.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
During a church service to emphasize the importance of prayer in worship.
More from Thomas Brooks
All quotes βGrace and glory differ very little; the one is the seed, the other is the flower; grace is glory militant, glory is grace triumphant.
He is the best preacher, not that tickles the ear, but that breaks the heart.
Ah! sinner, remember this, there is no way on earth effectually to be rid of the guilt, filth, and power of sin, but by believing in a Saviour. It is not resolving, it is not complaining, it is not mourning, but believing, that will make thee divinely victorious over that body of sin that to this day is too strong for thee, and that will certainly be thy ruin, if it be not ruined by a hand of faith.
Self is the only oil that makes the chariot-wheels of the hypocrite move in all religious concerns.
Humility can weep over other men's weaknesses, and joy and rejoice over their graces.
Similar quotes
Who the Lord calls, the Lord will qualify.
The "door of faith" (Acts 14:27) is always open for us, ushering us into the life of communion with God and offering entry into his Church. It is possible to cross that threshold when the word of God is proclaimed and the heart allows itself to be shaped by transforming grace. To enter through that door is to set out on a journey that lasts a lifetime.
The only saving faith is that which casts itself on God for life or death.
My life is one long daily, hourly record of answered prayer. For physical health, for mental overstrain, for guidance given marvelously, for errors and dangers averted, for enmity to the Gospel subdued, for food provided at the exact hour needed, for everything that goes to make up life and my poor service. I can testify, with a full and often wonder-stricken awe, that I believe God answers prayer.
Trying to do the Lord's work in your own strength is the most confusing, exhausting, and tedious of all work. But when you are filled with the Holy Spirit, then the ministry of Jesus just flows out of you.
The greater the difficulty to be overcome, the more will it be seen to the glory of God how much can be done by prayer and faith.