26 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 groanings too deep for words. 27 And God, who searches hearts, knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.
Immediately prior to these verses, St Paul spoke of us groaning inwardly while we wait for the redemption of our bodies (and of the creation). In this life, we are not yet what we will be, and we feel our “weakness" in the meantime. As we try to follow the teachings of Jesus, we can be discouraged or frustrated, because we don’t always know what to do next, what to think about our circumstances, or how to pray for God’s will.
But just as the Spirit of God is at work in creation, the Spirit is also at work in us, helping us in our weaknesses. Just as we groan inwardly while we wait for God’s redemption, the Spirit is groaning along with us, interceding for us when we don’t know what to say or do, talking to God on our behalf, upholding us to continue to walk with God, ensuring that it doesn’t all depend on us. It doesn’t take away our responsibility to know and follow God’s word, but keeps us going when our knowledge falls short, our strength fails us, or our wisdom no longer makes sense.
Lord, thank you that we do not walk alone, that along with our siblings in Christ, the Spirit of God groans along with us to keep us going. Amen.
Damon Glassmoyer
jwl1040@gmail.com
Prayer Concern: For all involved in missions of mercy, feeding the hungry, caring for the sick, and ministering to prisoners, that they may stay encouraged in their work.
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Living Lord Lutheran Church
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