Thou Canst Quote by Thomas Goodwin
““If through all thy discouragemnets thy condition prove worse and worse, so that thou canst not pray, but are struck dumb when thou comest into his presence, as David, then fall making signs when thou canst not speak; groan, sigh, sob, "chatter, "as Hezekiah did; bemoan thyself for thine unworthiness, and desire Christ to speak thy requests for thee, and God to hear him for thee.””
About This Quote
Source Sermon: Puritan Ministry, 1660
When despair silences prayer, imitate David’s raw honesty, expressing grief and seeking divine help despite feelings of unworthiness.
In simple terms: Speak openly to God even when you feel unworthy.
Key Takeaway
Express pain and ask for divine guidance.
Themes
spiritual struggle
humility
faith
Mood
reflective
somber
Type
spiritual
literary
When to use this quote
- personal crisis
- mental health
- spiritual doubt
- confession
Key Concepts
biblical lament
psychology of prayer
Questions to Reflect On
- What unspoken hurts are you holding?
- How can you turn lament into action?
A Different Perspective
Such lament may not resolve underlying issues without practical steps.
![“Thomas Goodwin Jr. wrote of his godly father: In all the violence of [his fever], he discoursed with that strength of faith and assurance of Christ’s love, with that holy admiration of free grace, with that joy in believing, and such thanksgivings and praises, as he extremely moved and affected…” quote by Thomas Goodwin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/0a3/thomas-goodwin-15928_communion-with-god_thomas-goodwin-jr-wrote-of-his-godly-fat_122316.jpg)
