Tears and Prayers
Watchman Nee emphasizes the power of tearful prayers and their ability to move God's heart, as exemplified by Hezekiah and Jesus.
Watchman Nee emphasizes the power of tearful prayers, illustrating how God acknowledges our sorrows as He did with Hezekiah, who prayed and wept, prompting God's response. He highlights that while tears alone may signify weakness, tears offered in prayer to God are potent and transformative. Nee warns that tears shed without prayer are ineffective, urging believers to combine their cries of distress with supplication. He reminds us that even Jesus prayed with strong cries and tears, demonstrating the importance of heartfelt communication with God.
Text
"I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy tears." 2 Kings 20:5
How good it is to know that God sees our tears. As Hezekiah prayed, he also wept; and God answered him. Such tearful prayers can move God's heart. It seems that whatever cannot move your heart cannot move God's heart either. A weeping before men may reveal your weakness and lack of manly strength, but a weeping before God is different.
Yet be clear about this, that tears are futile if they are not shed before God. There are people who are prone to weeping, but if a man's cry simply expresses his own sorrow and distress, it will not produce any positive results. Tears accompanied by prayer, however, are effective. Every time you cry in distress, why not therefore add prayer? The supplications of the Lord Jesus went up to God with strong crying and tears, and he was heard because he feared.
Sermon Outline
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I
- The significance of tears in prayer
- Examples from scripture: Hezekiah's prayer
- The connection between tears and God's response
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II
- The difference between weeping before men and God
- Understanding the purpose of tears
- Tears without prayer are ineffective
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III
- The power of tearful prayers
- Jesus as our example of prayer and tears
- Encouragement to pray in distress
Key Quotes
“I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy tears.” — Watchman Nee
“A weeping before men may reveal your weakness and lack of manly strength, but a weeping before God is different.” — Watchman Nee
“The supplications of the Lord Jesus went up to God with strong crying and tears.” — Watchman Nee
Application Points
- In times of distress, remember to turn your tears into prayers.
- Understand that genuine emotion in prayer can deepen your relationship with God.
- Follow the example of Jesus by combining your cries with earnest supplication.