Prayer

A wonderful discussion on prayer in the evening church gathering today...

Romans 8:18-27: As Christ followers, we suffer here in the world. Two things give us hope: 1) this world will be no more in the future, all suffering shall cease; 2) the Holy Spirit lives in us and helps, supports, and sustains us.

In particular, verses 26 + 27:
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 with groans that words cannot express. And He who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will. (Romans 8:26-27, emphasis mine)

"Weakness" - how often I feel guilty about my prayer life: not enough time, my heart not it in, forgetting to pray for someone or a situation, falling asleep, repetitive, etc. etc.

The Spirit understands and helps us in our weakness.

"Do not know what we ought" - we don't know what to pray for because we don't know what's best, and we don't know the future.

The Spirit perfectly translates our ramblings to present to God.

"He who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit" - God knows all things and does not need the Holy Spirit to tell Him what's happening in our lives, but the Holy Spirit is given for our benefit, to intercede for us and close the gap between God and man - very much like Christ also interceding for us.

The Spirit bridges the gap between us when we communicate with God - a privilege possible only through our Savior Christ Jesus.

Prayer - our interaction with all 3 parts of the Trinity! Praise the Lord!