We do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us. – Romans 8:26
In his book Let the Nations Be Glad, theologian, pastor, and teacher John Piper, said prayer is like a wartime walkie-talkie, not a domestic intercom. God, he said, is more like a general in Central Command than a butler waiting to bring you another pillow. He is much more, of course. But in this fallen “world with devils filled,” Piper says prayer will function best when we keep the frequency tuned to Central Command in the fight of faith.
Prayer is a great and glorious thing. But for many, it is intimidating and scary. After all, you are seeking to talk to the Creator of the Universe, to the One Who holds the world in His hands. And to think that such an all-sovereign God would take the time to listen to your prayers—it’s mind-boggling. But that is what HE seeks… to hear the prayers of His people and to answer them.
Jesus gave you a prayer example in Matthew 6. As you read more of Scripture, you find many instances where people prayed. You can pray for the same things they did. In fact, you can pray about anything. It has been said that “whatever bothers you, bothers God.” You can pray confidently because, as today’s verse tenderly reminds you, the Holy Spirit intercedes on your behalf. You also have an advocate in Jesus Christ. You are fully covered in the Courts of Heaven. So pray.
Take kingdom issues to the Lord today — issues of His kingdom on Earth, as well as issues of the world’s kingdom, and your own. Pray for righteous leaders in the United States who will bring the nation’s issues before the Throne of God and listen for His answer.
Today’s Verse: Romans 8:26
6 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.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: Matthew 6:5-13
“And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. 6 But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
7 “And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words. 8 Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. 9 Pray then like this:
“Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name.
10 Your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread,
12 and forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
