Romans 8:26-27 Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. 27 And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. English Standard Version (ESV)
In considering the things that "we know" in Romans 8 and the "all things" that Paul speaks of, having someone "interceding" for us is of utmost importance. Facing illness, disappointment, accident or job loss are all things that can leave us groaning within ourselves, sometimes to the point that we do not know how to pray. Paul encourages us that even in those times, we have an advocate, the "Spirit" who intercedes, goes to the Father with what we need. This is not something that is found only here in Romans.
Hebrews 7:25 Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them. English Standard Version (ESV) This verse reminds us that Jesus is praying for us, He lives within our hearts to intercede for us.
It is not only when things are right between us and God. Think of Jesus' prayer for Peter, knowing that He would stumble and deny Him, Jesus would be praying for Him.
Luke 22:31-32 "Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, 32 but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers." English Standard Version (ESV)
And how about Jesus' prayer in John 17, truly the Lord's prayer for us, "those who believe in me through their word". v.20. For those who trust Him in and through all things, who truly "know" Him, He is there interceding for us.
Are you struggling with something today where you don't even know how and what to pray for about it? Jesus, through the Spirit is praying for you, interceding for you, even pleading for you. What does that mean for you today?
Just when I need Him, Jesus is near,
Just when I falter, just when I fear;
Ready to help me, ready to cheer,
Just when I need Him most.
Refrain
Just when I need Him most,
Just when I need Him most,
Jesus is near to comfort and cheer,
Just when I need Him most.
Just when I need Him, Jesus is true,
Never forsaking all the way through;
Giving for burdens pleasures anew,
Just when I need Him most.
Today is 8/27 and by chance (?), it happens to be where find ourselves in Romans 8. May we find Him, when we need Him most.
In Christ,
Mike
Follow the Verse of the Day blog at http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com
Eph 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace NIV
Romans 8:25-27
Amplified Bible (AMP)
25 But if we hope for what is still unseen by us, we wait for it with patience and composure.
26 So too the [Holy] Spirit comes to our aid and bears us up in our weakness; for we do not know what prayer to offer nor how to offer it worthily as we ought, but the Spirit Himself goes to meet our supplication and pleads in our behalf with unspeakable yearnings and groanings too deep for utterance.
27 And He Who searches the hearts of men knows what is in the mind of the [Holy] Spirit [what His intent is], because the Spirit intercedes and pleads [before God] in behalf of the saints according to and in harmony with God's will.
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