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. 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. And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Rom. 8:26-28
Dear heavenly Father, today is one of those Saturdays I’m thankful gospel-spirituality is much more about your grasp of us than our grip on you; that your delight in us is not contingent upon our delight in you; and that your vigilance in pursuing us never waxes or wanes, like ours does towards you.
Father, I have no problem or hesitancy in acknowledging my lethargy and weakness this morning. In fact, it’s freeing to know your Spirit doesn’t abandon us when we’re weak but helps us in our weakness, faithfully praying in us with “wordless groans” (Rom. 8:26). Though I don’t understand everything that means I do get that you search our hearts and you know the mind of the Spirit, and that brings me great comfort today.
No one knows our hearts better than you, Father—for you have made, washed, and are perfecting our hearts. And you search our hearts to save us, not to shame us; to deliver us, not to demean us; to change us, not to chide us. You know my dignity and my depravity, my fears and my longings, my struggles with sin and my standing in Christ.
And at this very moment your Spirit is praying inside of me, perfectly tuned in to my needs and in total harmony with your will. I cannot measure the peace that brings. I surrender right now, Father. I will gladly groan to your glory. I know you are at work for my good in all things, including this season.
You have called me to life in Christ, and you will complete your purpose in me, in each of your children, and in the entire cosmos. I do love you; I want to love you more. So very Amen I pray with thankfulness, in Jesus’ merciful and faithful name.
