1108. The Placing of Elisha's Hands

The Placing of Elisha's Hands

"And he said to the king of Israel, Put thine hand upon the bow: and he put his hand upon it; and Elisha put his hands upon the king's hands" (2Ki_13:16).

After King Joash had taken unto him his bow and arrows, and put his hand upon the bow Elisha put his hand upon the king's hands.

We have before us the picture of the Holy Spirit breathing upon us, and helping us as we pray. Let us notice a few passages:

1. We know not what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit maketh intercession for us. The Holy Spirit helps our infirmities. He puts His hand upon our hands. We know not what to pray for as we ought; but He knows, for He searcheth the hearts: He knoweth the mind of God, and He prays according to the will of God. Thank God, for this help in our prayer life.

2. "God hath sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father" (Gal_4:6).

How beautiful is this! The Holy Spirit again places His hand upon our hands. He does this because we are sons. He gladly leads us into the presence of our Father and He teaches us to speak the language of a newborn son; He helps our lips to form the words Abba, Father, that is Father, Father.

The Holy Spirit aids us in all the beautiful fellowship which prayer brings. The same thing is implied when we read that we have access by one Spirit unto the Father.

3. Praying in the Spirit (see Jdg_1:20).

This verse seems to carry the thought of a Spirit-indited prayer. Not so much the Spirit praying with us, as the Spirit telling us what to pray. Who is there who has never felt a special drawing unto prayer?

Illustration: A Christian engineer, as he sat with his hand upon the throttle, was suddenly overwhelmed with a sense of danger. Immediately he was drawn to pray, and, as he prayed his fears passed away. Victory had come. It was not long until he realized the meaning of it all, for God had interposed in answer to his prayer. His train would otherwise have been wrecked.

Illustration: A dear mother who knew how to pray, was overwhelmed with the feeling that her son, who was a missionary in Africa, was in great danger of his life. The Spirit led her to pray, and how earnestly did she plead! After a little while her burden was gone; sweet rest filled her soul. When a week or two later the mail came from her son, he told how on a certain day and at a certain hour, a lion had approached in the forest as he was going from one station to another. And then, without any seeming reason, the ferocious beast had turned and walked away. It all happened at the same hour the mother found sweet rest in prayer. Thank God, for the Spirit putting His hand on our hand as we pray.

"What various hindrances we meet,

In coming to the mercy-seat!

Yet who that knows the worth of prayer,

But wishes to be often there?

"Prayer makes the darkened clouds withdraw,

Prayer climbs the ladder Jacob saw,

Gives exercise to faith and love,

Brings every blessing from above."

Autor: R.E. NEIGHBOUR