“A man wrestled with him till daybreak” (Genesis 32:24).
Who is doing the praying? Is it our determined hearts, or the Holy Spirit? If prayer originates with the Holy Spirit, then the wrestling can be beautiful and wonderful. But if we are the victims of our own overheated wants and desires, our praying can be as carnal as any other Christian act. God’s way is the best way. Our way is fraught with selfish intentions. We need to ask God to give us pure motives whenever we pray to Him. Jacob’s wrestling with God was carnal until he gave in to God’s will. After he was beaten upon, he cried, “I will not let you go unless you bless me!” Only the Spirit can pray effectively. Let us depend upon Him.
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