Only Seeing One Piece at a Time

Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.

Romans 8:26-27

I do not know what to PRAY (August 11, 2019)

God’s will and God’s plan are lofty subjects. Yesterday, I spoke on the topic of “I do not know what to pray,” from the above passage. In the verses prior the Apostle Paul addresses how the creation is in pain waiting for the day it is restored, and it is groaning. He then talks about believers in Jesus Christ are waiting for the day when not only their souls are redeemed, but also their bodies. They too are groaning, longing for Heaven. In verse 26 we learn that the Holy Spirit also groans, but not in pain as in the previous examples. The Holy Spirit helps believers in our weaknesses, and one of the ways He helps us is with prayer.

Prayer. How often do I struggle with what to pray? Often would be the answer. Maybe it is for a family member, a friend, a health issue, or a situation. Sometimes I feel like not even praying at all since I am not sure how to pray about it. The Apostle Paul says we should rely on the Holy Spirit to help us when we do not know what to pray.

One piece at a time…

God has a big picture which we cannot see. Imagine you had one piece of a 500 piece puzzle. Not only that you have never seen the box of what the finished puzzle is to look like. That is a bit what it is like trusting God. He only shows us a little glimpse at a time. You have no idea how your little “piece” might affect someone else. The Holy Spirit knows God’s big picture. He knows what God’s will and plan are, because He is God. The prayers of the Holy Spirit on our behalf are “intertrinitarian communication, divine articulations by the Holy Spirit to the Father” (John MacArthur).

So even when you do not know what to pray, still pray. When we do not have the words, God the Holy Spirit makes intercession for you and for me in our prayers. He knows what God’s will and plan is for His big picture. While you might be frustrated with only seeing one piece at a time, remember that God has a plan for it. You never know how it might be used for God’s kingdom and His glory.


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