For our next devotion series, I would like us to look at “Prayer and the Will of God”. In our text we find some very precious promises given to us by our Lord …. Rom 8:26b … Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought:…
In our last lesson we saw that the Lord promises His children that the Holy Spirit will accompany and bear the weaknesses we experience in our service to Him. These weaknesses involve physical illnesses as well as any other hindrance we may suffer due to our fallen nature.
In our text we can see one of the struggles that we all face from time to time… the inability to explain our needs, experiences and emotions during our weak moments. What are some of the reasons why the experience of our weaknesses can leave us speechless?
1. we do not know the words to use to verbalize our experience and emotions
2. we do not know the cause of the hindrance
3. we do not know what is the best solution for the situation
These are three of the biggest causes of our inability to express our needs to the Lord. What is the remedy to this situation? This is where the Holy Spirit comes in. This is one of the ways that He “helpeth our infirmities”. (We will look at this gracious work of the Spirit in more detail in our next devotional.)
Note the phrase “as we ought”. This tells us bringing our weaknesses to the Lord and giving them over to Him is something that we should be doing… “we ought to do it”. We should never feel like bringing our needs to Him is a burden on Him or an annoyance. This is what He desires for us to do.
Heb 4:14-16 (KJV) Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast [our] profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as [we are, yet] without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
Phil 4:6-7 (KJV) Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
1Pet 5:7 (KJV) Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
May the Lord bless us as we “Think On These Things”.
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Amen! Thank God for the Holy Spirit. There have been times when I have failed to present my needs before God in prayer and I have always wondered, “Father, do you get what I am saying or I am just mumbling?” However, the assurance that the Holy Spirit helps us to pray in our weakness, has always been soothing and comforting. Thanks for sharing, pastor. To God be the glory!
AMEN dear brother,
What a blessing it is to be able to trust the Spirit in our prayer life. I think we all go through times where we cannot express the burden of our heart. It is just as you say… what a blessing to know the Spirit is taking care of all of this for us. Lord bless you. Thanks for your great comment.
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thank you Rob for this today!!
The Lord’s word is certainly a blessing to us all. Praying for Als appointment tomorrow that the Lord will give both you and the doctors wisdom to know what is best to help Al. I’ll be praying for you. Take care.
Being ALWAYS in a spirit of prayer is a practice well worth pursuing!
You are so right… pray without ceasing.
Amen Rob. We serve an amazing triune God. I have, many times, just spent time in ‘prayer’ without saying a word, but letting my mixed-up thoughts and confused feelings jumble together, not making sense, but knowing that Holy Spirit understands and presents them to the Father. And what a relief it is, and what peace comes as the burden is left there.
What an amazing God!
Angela,
AMEN! what a wonderful privilege it is to have the Spirit as our “prayer partner”!
So thankful for the Spirit’s help when I don’t know to pray as I ought! God bless you, Pastor Rob, as you help us to think on these things!
Dont know what I would do without His intervention.