Absent Quote by David Brainerd
“I think my soul never was in such an agony before. I felt no restraint, for the treasures of divine grace were opened to me. I wrestled for absent friends, for the ingathering of souls, for multitudes of poor souls, and for many that I thought were the children of God, in many distant places. I was in such an agony, for half an hour before sunset, till near dark, that I was all over wet with sweat: but yet is seemed to me that I had wasted away the day, and had done nothing. Oh!, my dear Savior did sweat blood for poor souls!”
About This Quote
Source Sermon: Personal Diary of David Brainerd, 1740s
He describes an intense spiritual struggle, feeling both divine openness and overwhelming anguish over unfulfilled ministry.
In simple terms: Intense spiritual anguish despite feeling God's grace.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and pray through spiritual distress.
Themes
spiritual struggle
faith
service
agony
Mood
somber
reflective
Type
devotional
confessional
When to use this quote
- preaching
- personal prayer
- mission work
- counseling
- confession
Key Concepts
Divine grace
ministerial anxiety
self‑examination
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you measure spiritual success?
- What practices sustain you in spiritual fatigue?
A Different Perspective
Even deep devotion can feel unproductive without tangible results.
