Too Deep for Words
Posted on May 27th, 2009 in Prayer | No Comments »
Scripture
In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words; and He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. Romans 8:26-28
Observation
There are bold moments in prayer where we courageously march into the throne room and state our case and God works in power. But there are groping moments in prayer when we fumble around looking for what it is we should be asking for. Sure we can pray, but what should we pray for?
“What should I pray for?” is the question of the mature believer. He has discovered that prayer is not about telling God what to do, but listening enough to ask what the Father wants. But how can we know?
There comes a level in prayer where we have to have more confidence in what Christ is praying for us than in what we are praying for ourselves. We must put more stock in wordless prayers than in our own words. At this extremity of prayer the gift of tongues is so useful. For here the Holy Spirit prays through us, though our mind does not grasp the meaning.
Application
The goal of prayer is to let the Spirit of God pray through me, whether in my words or in a prayer language. Right now I’m praying about our next home. So many questions. I want to enter into this level of groaning prayers.
Prayer
Father, lead us home. Amen.
