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Day 29 of 40 Day Discipleship Walk with Jesus Christ: Trust the Spirit’s intercession

Sunday, December 29th, 2024

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A Short Story on Prayer Struggles

I felt a sense of overwhelming anxiety wash over me. I had been struggling with my prayer life for months, feeling like I was just going through the motions, unsure of what to pray for or how to even begin.

I had always considered myself a spiritual person, but lately, I had been feeling disconnected from God, like I was wandering in a dark forest with no map or compass to guide me. I knew I needed help, but I didn’t know where to turn.

That’s when I remembered a passage from the Bible that my grandmother used to quote when I was a child: “The Holy Spirit will guide you and give you the words to say” (Romans 8:26). I had always thought it was a nice sentiment, but never really understood what it meant in practical terms.

But now, as I sat in my apartment, feeling lost and alone, I felt a sudden urge to pray. I closed my eyes and began to speak, but the words wouldn’t come. I felt like I was talking to a brick wall, and the more I tried to pray, the more frustrated I became.

Just when I was about to give up, I felt a gentle nudge in my spirit. It was the Holy Spirit, prompting me to pray for my neighbor, Mrs. Johnson, who had been struggling with her health. I had forgotten all about her, but the Spirit reminded me of her needs and gave me the words to pray.

As I prayed for Mrs. Johnson, I felt a sense of peace and clarity that I had not experienced in months. The Holy Spirit was indeed guiding me, giving me the words to say and the wisdom to know what to pray for.

Over the next few weeks, I continued to pray for Mrs. Johnson, and I saw a remarkable improvement in her health. She was able to leave her apartment and even started to attend church again. It was a small miracle, but it was a tangible reminder of the power of prayer and the help of the Holy Spirit.

As I look back on that time in my life, I realize that the Holy Spirit was not just helping me with my prayer life, but also with my own struggles and doubts. He was guiding me, comforting me, and reminding me of the love of God.

I may not have always understood the Holy Spirit’s promptings, but I learned to trust in His guidance and to be open to His leading. And as I did, I experienced a deeper sense of peace and joy in my life, and my prayer life became more vibrant and meaningful than ever before.

Romans 8:26

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.

Have you found it difficult putting your prayer into words? The Scriptures say we do not know how to pray as we should but that the Spirit asks for us with groans too deep for words. The Scriptures also say we have a great high priest, Jesus, who lives to make intercession for us. This is a real comfort. Your prayer or mine would get nowhere if it were not for the Holy Spirit and Christ’s help. We don’t have to fuss about saying things exactly right. We can be like young children talking to our parents. They understand what we mean. God changes our words into acceptable prayers.

Stop for a moment before you pray to become aware that your words are nothing without Christ, yet through Him we can come boldly into his presence. Become aware that He has done everything necessary by his death, resurrection and going to heaven, to make our prayers reach God. Thank God for such a Savior. Tomorrow we will learn how to practice this conversationally.

For Reflection:

• When have you felt that God heard your prayer?
• Is this the same as God answering your prayer?

Make Life Count:

• Today spend your prayer time in silence remembering that the Holy Spirit is interceding for you.

Shalom!

Ambassador@otakada.org