Romans 8:20-33
20 For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope 21 that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God.
22 We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. 23 Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies. 24 For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? 25 But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.
26 In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. 27 And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.
28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. 29 For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. 30 And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.
31 What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? 33 Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies.[1]
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This section is full of verses worth taking to heart and memorizing, but what struck me today is Paul’s depiction of the Holy Spirit as interceding for us in our weakness.
Prayer is a divine interaction that is much richer and mysterious than merely hurling requests toward the throne of God. It’s easy to think of prayer as sending God an email of requests and needs for the day. I am the sender and God is the receiver. But Paul depicts a more complex picture. The Holy Spirit is also at work in us in our prayers, leading us to pray in light of God’s will, interceding alongside us when we don’t pray as we ought.
Prayer has been described as dwelling in the presence and promises of God, as much a meditation on God’s grace and goodness as it is the composition of a divine task list. That’s why prayer should not be hurried, as though all of the things to pray for, all of the intercessions arise outside of the prayer time and are brought in, and quickly dispatched to heaven. Prayer is dwelling in the Spirit’s presence so that we can catch a glimpse of what the Spirit is interceding for us, the things that in our weakness it hasn’t occurred to us to pray about.
This is why I encourage a Word-prompted approach to prayer. This is why I’m writing these devotions, to model letting the Word shape the prayer life, rather than whatever needs – however real and important – are on my mind. My prayer time should include meditating on these thoughts: What do you want me to pray about, God? What are you trying to tell me? Where in my weakness do you intend to be at work? Where are you seeking to send me from this time of prayer?
So my prayer today is about my prayer. I pray for the Holy Spirit to guide my heart and mind during my times of prayer, to speak to me and lead me, and so draw me into living according to His will.
What is the Word leading you to pray about today?
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[1] The New International Version. (2011). (Ro 8:20–33). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.
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