Week 4 Lenten Devotions
26 Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words. 27 And God, who searches the heart, knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.
Reflection:
I am thinking of those days when praying seems to be just one more hurdle that I can’t get over. Maybe I am feeling frazzled, without so much as a minute to brush my teeth, much less stop to pray. Maybe I am so upset, or in so much pain, or in such deep grief that I don’t know where to start to pray or maybe I am afraid that anger might spill over into my prayers. Where do I turn? This is the time to call on the Spirit and just outright ask for help—Holy Spirit, its your turn now—I can’t go pray myself. God promises that the Spirit will jump right into the middle of things and pray for us—with “sighs too deep for words.” This is a very comforting picture and the gift of a God who does not want us to suffer alone. God will understand the pleas of the Spirit on our behalf, and God promises to respond. This is a powerful promise and one I should feel free to turn to when I am feeling frazzled, weak or in despair.
Prayer Themes:
Thank God for the gift of the Holy Spirit—the Advocate, Counselor, Guide. Pray for a trust in the Spirit and the willingness to turn to the Spirit. Pray for those who have somehow blocked the Spirit’s presence in their lives.
So beautifully said! This view of prayer helps me get out of my head and into my whole body... breathing, sighing, feeeling, rather than coming up with the right words. It's all about re-connecting with God, in different ways at different times.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your perspectives about the whole body view of prayer. That's a helpful addition. I like your words about sighing and feeling.
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