For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. 19For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. 20For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope 21that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. 22For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. 23And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. 24For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? 25But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience. 26Likewise 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. 27And 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.
We have all faced a situation when all the words in the world could not seem to carry the freight, whether it was in a hospital room or the living room. Saint Paul knew that God’s people struggle with weakness, afflictions, and problems like everyone else. He reminds us that our sinfulness causes weakness in every aspect of our lives. He describes the present groaning of all creation (8:18-25). How can you handle what is currently causing you to groan, causing you pain? Prayer! However, Paul brings to light a hidden confession: “Sometimes I just do not know how to pray, or what to pray for.”
The first trap keeping Christians from prayer is that they are bent on perfection. We think we need to sound like the well-rehearsed prayers of a pastor before the congregation. They sound great, they are meaningful, God hears them and answers them, but prayers are not required to sound pretty. It is good to know that since we cannot always find the right words to say and pray, there are books filled with prayers to help us cover most occasions.
God’s grace is evident in that the Holy “Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, the Spirit Himself [actively] intercedes for us” (26). God knows our weakness, and He knows it is due to our sin. His Spirit helps us bear the weakness whether it is spiritual, physical, or emotional, providing divine strength that is sufficient for us. God declares, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9). Because the Spirit intercedes on our behalf, our weakness is known and is now in accord with God’s will.
As weak, sinful human beings who experience frustrations and impatience, there will come times when we are unable to find words to talk to our heavenly Father. Our concerns for family and friends during the day may keep us up at night with worry. He sees the concern we have when we think we cannot pray. The Lord’s love for us is so great that He is aware of our unspoken prayer. He knows the anguish we feel over a child’s desire to turn away from the faith. Jesus felt that agonizing pain of on the cross. He understands our sadness over a loved one suffering and struggling for life, and we can rest assured they are in the hands of the Great Physician. Know for sure and certain there is never a time when we cannot pray even though we think we have no words because the Holy Spirit Himself is interceding for us, with “groanings too deep for words . . . according to the will of God” (8:26-27)
Grace Lutheran Church LCMS
825 North 1st West
Cheyenne Wells, CO, 80810-0728
Sunday Service begins at 9:00 AM
Reverend Steven Zandstra
