Spirit Prayers

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 groanings 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. (Romans 8:26, 27 NKJV)

Have you ever been so overwhelmed by life’s challenges you didn’t know how to pray? I must admit there are times when being a husband, father, pastor, entrepreneur, friend, grad student, and more seems to swallow me. In those times I usually just approach God’s throne in prayer and sit there in silence. I don’t know where to start. I don’t know what to say. Even though I may not feel like I’m accomplishing anything in my silence, I hold on to two truths that give me hope: the Holy Spirit within me is praying for me and he’s praying according to God’s will. 

Praying for Me
As believers we have the person of the Holy Spirit living within us. He’s with us in every place, at all times, and in every circumstance we face. He knows our challenges because he’s facing them with us. When we can’t form the words of prayer, Paul says he intercedes to God the Father on our behalf with “groanings which cannot be uttered”. In other words, because of his intimate relationship with us and with the heart of God, the Holy Spirit communicates our passions, our feelings, hopes, fears, and desires. I don’t know about you but I’m glad to know when I can’t find the words, my constant friend, the Holy Spirit, is praying for me. 

Praying God’s Will for Me
When I’m stressed I don’t always pray for God’s will to be done in my life. Here’s why, I’m selfish. My survival instincts kick in and I try to pray my way out of discomfort. But the best place to be in life is in the will of God. Think about it; what if God allowed me to endure the trials to purge, prune, and challenge me to grow in my faith? What if he was allowing me to endure my trials so those around me could see a witness of faithfulness? When I think about it this way, I’m glad the Holy Spirit prays for God’s will in my life. It gives me hope because I know he’s seeking what’s best for me.