In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will.
Most of us will face very difficult circumstances at some time in our lives. When we do, we will likely feel that our prayers just bounce off the ceiling. Our words will feel empty and useless. We can't seem to verbalize what is on our hearts. We feel like our words are ineffective and insufficient. So what do we do? We trust this promise in these verses. We go to God in prayer. We aim our hearts toward heaven. Even when we don't have words to say, we offer our hearts to him, trusting that the Holy Spirit takes those thoughts, emotions, and inarticulate frustrations to God. The Spirit makes our hearts known to God, interceding for us according to God's will. Even when we don't have words, the Spirit makes our needs known. What a tremendous reassuring grace!
Video Commentary...
We've included Phil's ToGather video from four years ago as an added blessing to our verse today:
Abba Father, it is so comforting to know that my words, thoughts, and emotions are all presented to you through your Holy Spirit. Father, there are times when I feel inadequate and unworthy to approach you, my words insufficient to speak the burdens and wounds in my heart. Thank you for the assurance that you will always hear me because of the Holy Spirit, even when I can't find the right words to say. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
"Dear Searcher,
There is only one message that you must hear today. This message is the one truth on which your eternal destiny pivots. So rather than..."
"Dear friends, do not believe everyone who claims to speak by the Spirit. You must test them to see if the spirit they have comes from God. For there are many..."
"Dear Father, from whom all power comes, Help me to show proper respect for the duly constituted authority of government. Help me to do what is good,...."
"God has wisely kept us in the dark concerning future events and reserved for himself the knowledge of them, that he may train us up in a dependence upon himself..."
About This Devotional
Today's Verse is a free daily devotional that includes a Bible verse, thought and prayer.
The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.
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