Read: Romans 8:26-39
Think: Ros Rinker, a 20th century InterVarsity Staff woman said, “Prayer is a dialogue between two people who love each other.” When prayer is defined as a two-way conversation with Someone who cares for us, it changes the way we think about prayer—it becomes less of a duty and more of an exchange of ideas, hopes, and concerns. Paul suggests that even when we don’t know how to pray, the Holy Spirit will pray for us “with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God’s own will. And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them.” What an amazing thought—the Holy Spirit prays for us to know God’s will for our lives!
Act: In Romans 8:26-39, Paul teaches us that our relationship with God requires constant companionship through communication with the Holy Spirit. He reminds us that we are to pray (or converse with God) both when we know exactly what to pray or when we don’t have any idea how to pray. God is available to talk with us and listen to us at anytime—we never have to wait in a line or be put on hold. In fact, it is often through prayer that God will make us aware of His plans (or His will). Through prayer, He gives us assurance of our future, and He confirms and convinces us of His enduring love. Prayer is a nonnegotiable component of living a successful Christian life. How can you pray more effectively? Set aside time daily to talk to God and listen to God. In that quiet time, let the Holy Spirit comfort you, plead for you, groan for you, and work out God’s good purpose for your life. Begin today.
Pray: Dear Holy Spirit, thank You for praying for me when I don’t know how or what to pray. Draw me closer to You. Help me to bring all my cares to You rather than try to carry them on my own. Show me how to let You pray through me and for me. Give me the courage to make a daily appointment with You for the rest of my life—to make our time together a priority. Oh, how I need more and more of You Lord. Amen.
Be full of faith today!
