Day Forty-Seven

One of the ministries of the Holy Spirit, Paul tells us, is helping us to pray. He offers this teaching in the context of a passage all about suffering, reminding us that when we feel we have no words to offer in prayer, the Spirit comes to our aid:

“I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory about to be revealed to us. For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the children of God; for the creation was subjected to futility, not of its own will but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay and will obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. We know that the whole creation has been groaning in labor pains until now; and not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly while we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies. For in hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what is seen? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.

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. 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.”—Romans 8:18-27 (NRSV)

The exact workings of this intercessory ministry of the Spirit are a mystery, and depending on your theological tradition there are differing interpretations of what Paul is referring to here. Perhaps it resists an exact definition because it defies an exact definition—the Spirit’s work is always part of the present moment, and in different situations this intercessory work might take different forms, allowing the Spirit freedom to work as each moment demands. The “sighs too deep for words” at times might be completely silent, or at times they are expressed vocally…or sometimes a mixture of both. Reducing it to a formula is not what Paul had in mind.

But the central truth is this: in those times when we find it difficult to pray, the Holy Spirit helps us. And we all know what it’s like at one time or another to find prayer difficult. In fact, I’d be willing to guess that right now in your life there is at least one situation that, echoing Paul’s description of the “sufferings of this present time,” is extremely perplexing and confusing, making it hard at times to pray. Perhaps it’s so overwhelming that you don’t know where to begin, or maybe you’ve already offered prayer after prayer after prayer, and the words seem to have run out in the face of what seems an endless wait.

Whatever situation in your life echoes these thoughts, for today’s time of devotion we are going to offer it (or them, if more than one) to God, and we are going to let go of the need to find the perfect words to do it. We’re going to sit and ask the Spirit of God to intercede on our behalf for the situation, person, or problem that weighs heaviest on our hearts and minds.

There are no reflection questions for today. In fact, in just a moment you will be guided into a a time of prayer and invited to listen to a reflective instrumental piece while you offer your request(s) to God through the assistance of the Holy Spirit. Or you may wish to not play the song at all until your time of prayer is over, using it close your time simply resting in the presence of the Spirit. Use the music in a way that best suits your needs.

Before we begin, sit for a moment with the question: what situation(s) in your life right now are you finding it difficult to pray for?

When you have spent some time contemplating that question…then begin.

A Time of Prayer

You may wish to play the song below before you begin, or wait until your time of prayer is drawing to a close.

Begin by taking a few deep breaths in and out, perhaps reciting a favorite verse of Scripture as you do so. Use this step to clear your heart and mind as best you can of any distractions.
As you sit before God, offer to him the situation(s) in your life right now that you find difficult to pray for. Acknowledge to him that difficulty, knowing we have a High Priest who is able to sympathize with us in our weakness (Heb. 4:15)
Having named what your concern(s) to God, ask him to fill this time of prayer with the Spirit’s presence and power. Offer to the Spirit your difficulty in praying, and ask him to intercede on your behalf.
Sit again in silence. If any distractions enter your mind, don’t fret over them. Offer them to God, and center your thoughts again on the situation(s) you’re praying over. You do not need to come up with words to pray. Ask the Spirit to offer the “sighs too deep for words” on your behalf.
There is no minimum or maximum time for this exercise. When you sense the Spirit is bringing this time of prayer to a close, you may wish to offer a word of gratitude for his ministry of intercession. Then release the things you’ve been meditating on into God’s hands, trusting he has heard.

“Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him…”—Psalm 37:7 (ESV)