Romans 8:26-27
"Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groaning which cannot be uttered. Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God."
Not only does the Spirit cause the believer to groan in anticipation of the transformation of our physical bodies, the Spirit groans on our behalf, interceding with the Father for our needs. Let there be no doubt in anyone's minds…our God is in touch with our innermost feelings.
This text implies we don't really even know what we should pray for. Only one with the mind of Christ can know the will of God and therefore be able to pray according to God's perfect will. For us, that person knowing the mind of Christ is the Holy Spirit. With the Spirit's touch, God not only knows our hearts fully, he allows us to pray according to his will by communing with the Spirit.
No believer need pray to a saint, for we have the Spirit who brings us directly into the presence of God. No believer need wonder if God hears our prayers, for the Spirit utters them so that they are fully received. No believer need go to a particular place to pray, for the Spirit is with us at all times and all places. The Spirit's intercession for the body of Christ may be the most glorious gift the Father has given to the church.
Often times, we feel so lost and alone in the world that the only prayer we can utter is a groan. Maybe an "O God, have mercy on me". Don't let this bother you, for the Spirit takes your painful utterance and brings it to the listening ear of our Lord. And not only does the Spirit carry your prayers, he interprets it so that we receive intercession, even when our prayers cannot be uttered.
I'm sure no believer feels adequate in prayer, and that's ok with God. After all, he sent the Spirit to intercede for us in prayer.
LORD JESUS
Lord, I thank you for the intercession of the Spirit on behalf of your church. May your groanings translate into my heart so that I pursue the will of God in my life. Amen.
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