Good day dear friends,
Our text for today comes from Romans 8: 22 We know that the whole creation has been groaning in labor pains until now; 23 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. 24 For in hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what is seen? 25 But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience. 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 sighs too deep for words. 27 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. (NSRV)
All knowing God. God of mercy and love, You created a prayer life for your saints that some are not even aware of their prayers. being lifted up on their behalf, especially during times that we have no words to share. That's the thought that comes to my mind as I re-read verse 26. I urge prayer, especially the recapturing the power of prayer that our churches once knew, and I myself feel at times that I do not pray enough. I know that many are the blessings that could be ours if we would but pray and yet the busyness of our days keep us from going to our knees in prayer as we should. I have shared the story of a dear mother whose adult daughter was dying from cancer. The agony and pain of this mother's soul was such that one day she told me she could no longer pray. "Pastor, I do not have the words anymore." I grabbed a Bible and shared with her this passage and she was so relieved to see that even a sigh on ou part, in the Spirit's part is a prayer lifted up to God. Those who seek prayer as a way to stay connected, are connected, even when we are not aware of it.
This Sunday is the day we celebrate the coming of the Holy Spirit, but we know already that the Spirit has been present with us and has been our Advocate, Counselor, and Comforter all these years; and the Spirit will continue to be.
PRAYER: Loving God, how thoughtful are Your ways. How mighty are Your acts in Christ Jesus, and how awesome it is that we can and should be connected to You through our prayers. May our prayers never cease; may they be ways of praising and rejoicing and of receiving. May we know prayer is a two-way form of worship. After we say "amen," we are saying, "It is Your turn to talk, I'm listening." May it be so. In Jesus' name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
