Romans 8:26-27 (NIV)
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.
Reflection:
Our weaknesses can refer to a number of things, but is usually associated with not knowing what to pray for and uncertainty about God’s will for our lives. From this passage, we are strengthened with the truth that the Spirit himself intercedes for us according to God’s will for us. Being children of God, we too can pray these groans of the Spirit. Thankfully, it’s not a technique or formula, but about joining in these “wordless groans” of His Spirit that lives in us. As we groan with the Spirit, it is not trying to manipulate the situation, crying out for an outcome that we want or desire, but about resting in God’s will for us that is good, pleasing, and perfect.
Response:
Let’s thank God for the work of His Spirit in and through us and in His church. Let’s pray for an increase of the Holy Spirit’s activity in our hearts and lives and of the people in our missional groups and campuses. Pray that the Lord would fill us with His groans for our lives and that there would be an increase of faith and trust in Him and desire for His will to be done.
