I have said before here that I am not a great prayer warrior. Prayer is hard for me. I find myself in the company of the apostles in the garden with Christ, falling asleep after a few minutes of “deep” intercession.
The good news, at least for me, is that as bad as I am I get some really excellent help.
I was in Psalm 5:1 the other day and I was struck by the word “groaning,” it immediately brought to mind Romans 8:26 – 27. There we read that the Holy Spirit intercedes for us with “groanings” to deep for words. Note, by the way the reason the Spirit prays for us, “We do not know how to pray as we should.” The encouraging thing here for me is that Paul includes himself in that category. Paul the one whose prayer life has been the subject of really good books and whose prayers I have been using as a model to pray for others.
But there was more. The Spirit prays for us, intercedes for us according to the will of God. That led me to 1 John 5:14 - 15, which tells us that when we ask according to His will, He hears us, and we have that for which we ask. So whatever it is that the Spirit is praying for us, is granted.
But there was more. Paul ups the ante – well actually the Spirit does, look at 2 Peter 1:20 – 21 – in Romans 8:34, Paul tells us that in addition to the Spirit interceding for us, Christ is at the right hand of the Father interceding for us.
Gives me hope.
I am bad at this. But the assistance I am getting from both the Spirit and Christ – I find myself at a loss for words to express the magnitude of that incredible, priceless reality.
I was in Psalm 5:1 the other day and I was struck by the word “groaning,” it immediately brought to mind Romans 8:26 – 27. There we read that the Holy Spirit intercedes for us with “groanings” to deep for words. Note, by the way the reason the Spirit prays for us, “We do not know how to pray as we should.” The encouraging thing here for me is that Paul includes himself in that category. Paul the one whose prayer life has been the subject of really good books and whose prayers I have been using as a model to pray for others.
But there was more. The Spirit prays for us, intercedes for us according to the will of God. That led me to 1 John 5:14 - 15, which tells us that when we ask according to His will, He hears us, and we have that for which we ask. So whatever it is that the Spirit is praying for us, is granted.
But there was more. Paul ups the ante – well actually the Spirit does, look at 2 Peter 1:20 – 21 – in Romans 8:34, Paul tells us that in addition to the Spirit interceding for us, Christ is at the right hand of the Father interceding for us.
Gives me hope.
I am bad at this. But the assistance I am getting from both the Spirit and Christ – I find myself at a loss for words to express the magnitude of that incredible, priceless reality.
Leads me to wonder if the times I pray so burdened that I cannot even put into words or coherent sentences what feel or want might be some of the best I do, for only the Spirit can put meaning to what is too deep for me to articulate or even think.
ReplyDeleteI struggle here as well. Going to the denominational church I do, there are good friends of mine that pray in a 'prayer language' at times. But, sometimes I find this distracting if we are in a group prayer setting. However, I keep praying to the Lord what is on my heart, knowing full well that he knows my heart and I am offering it up to him. There have been times I just let Him know I don't know how to pray for what is on my heart and just ask that it is made known to Him for me.
ReplyDeleteI sure do love the way He looks out for me, as well as for you sir.
I hope everything is well with you after everything you have been going through and dealing with.
Man do I relate to your comment. I am so grateful for His grace and ministry towards us. Isn't is amazing we serve a Lord who cares so much for us.
DeleteThanks for the comment and concern.