Day 9 — Prays for Us
Romans 8:22-27:
22 We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. 23 Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the first-fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies. 24 For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? 25 But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.
26 In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. 27 And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.
During the second World War, some American prisoners in a German concentration camp secretly received the news of an Allied victory three days before the Germans knew of it. During those three days, their circumstances hadn’t changed and they still suffered all the frustrations and difficulties they had become used to. But their attitude was transformed dramatically. A wave of hope rippled through the prisoners because victory and liberation were now promised! They could endure those last three days as transformed people because they had hope.
Over these last days and weeks I have certainly had moments of groaning, of anxiety, of confusion as I have grappled with this crazy rollercoaster of global crisis. The experience of ‘groaning’ and the need for patience and hope is something we are all journeying at this time. No doubt some days you are feeling joyful and strong – but other days feel much darker, more confusing and sometimes you just feel helpless and afraid. But Romans 9:8 calls us ‘Children of the promise’ and our reading today gives us the astonishing news that not only is the Spirit with us, and not only can the Holy Spirit help when we feel vulnerable – but in the midst of it he is interceding for us! The Holy Spirit is standing in the gap between us and Father God, pouring out prayers with ‘wordless groans’ on our behalf! That promise is a reason for renewed hope for us all.
When we wait with God, in his presence, knowing that the Spirit is interceding for us, we will find that once again our hope is renewed. The very best thing you can bring to the world today is a Holy-Spirit-Filled you!
Prayer —
Holy Spirit come and fill me now. Thank you that, even when I don’t know what to pray, you intercede for me. Please speak to me now.
Ali Herbert
Associate Pastor