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“Letting the Holy Spirit Pray For Us”

Thoughts for Today:

In our passage today, Paul is speaking once again about the proper use of the gift of tongues, of which, there are two primary purposes: 1) speaking publically in an actual language (although unknown to the speaker) of the wonders of God; and, 2) speaking to God privately (of our own cares and concerns) in a spiritual language.

In Romans 8:26b, Paul tells us: "We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express." Have you ever been so paralyzed by an event or problem that you couldn't find the words to express your feelings or even know what to pray about? I've been there often. When I don't know what to pray, I let the Spirit do it for me -- "with groans that words cannot express." Yet, the Spirit somehow understands perfectly and because the Spirit is praying for me, I know I am praying in accordance with God's will.

This is the way it works for me: As I pray I ask for understanding. What I'm seeking is God's insight into the situation I'm praying about. However, it is very important to not act only on what we think we receive as a result of our prayer. It is very possible for us to have thoughts that are our own thoughts -- not an insight from God. The way to tell the difference (our own thought versus an insight from God) is to check it out against what the Bible says. God will never contradict His Word. However, we must still be careful to not misinterpret or misunderstand. It is always wise to seek out and submit our personal "insights" to mature Christians for evaluation.

Questions to Ponder:

Is there something you are unsure of what to pray for or about? Often I am in that very situation. Will you allow the Spirit to pray for you? Ask now for God's insight into your current circumstance.

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About the author

Pocket Devotions are written by Mike Brooks. A retired businessman, he is Moderator of South Shores church, leads the Deacon Board, serves on the finance committee, and he teaches a Men's Bible study and the Men's Ministry. Mike has a passion for evangelical missions. He is the husband of Sherry; the father of Ryan, Natalie, Krissy, Rebecca, and Amanda; the father-in-law of Ariel; and the grandfather of Conner and Christian.