All Things????????

Romans 8: 26-28

In the same way the Spirit also helps us in our weakness, because we do not know what to pray for as we should, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with unspoken groanings. 27 And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because he intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. 28 We know that all things work together for the good[c] of those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.

One of the most quoted scriptures in Christianity is Romans 8:28, and I'll admit I have claimed it myself a time or two, especially when I don't see how this will be good for me. However, recently the Lord made me aware that there was more to that scripture than that verse. The key to that verse and its power is found in the two preceding verses. Spiritual prayer, the prayers not spoken in our own language, with our filters, and desires, but the prayer of the deep part of us that cries out to the Father. The psalmist said in Psalms 42:7 that "Deep calls to Deep." Lets go further, we are told to pray in the Spirit, why, because the Spirit of God, knows us better than we do, notice the verse in 27, "because he intercedes for the saints according to the will of God."  We know that if we pray anything according to the will of God, we shall have it. The question is do we know the will of God?

Let's be honest we know what we want, and think we need. A particular job, spouse, or some other thing, and we will pray and beg and then get frustrated when we don't get what we ask for like children. How many times do you think Joseph was tempted to pray for deliverance from Egypt, only to find out later he was there to save his family. What about Paul, in prison, he had seen God deliver him before, but now he was awaiting his death, he still writes and encourages the church. Even me praying to go back into the classroom, teaching, living check to check, and not really seeking God and what His plan was. See a pattern, we most of the time know what we want, just not what we need, BUT God does. So again we are encouraged to Pray in the Spirit. 

I can hear some of you already, "Brother, I don't believe in tongues and I'm not going to be some freak speaking in way that might embarrass me." He doesn't specify that he says with groanings that can't be uttered. Remember in Exodus God says he has heard them "crying out" in the CSB, these are not the organized prayers found in church, or in your corporate prayer structure, these are people crying out from their very hearts asking God to intervene. Pray in the Spirit, and watch what God will do. 

Prayer: Father, fill me with the Spirit, so that I can pray in the Spirit. Change how I pray, so that I can pray according to your divine will. In the name of Jesus I pray. Amen

Grace and peace be multiplied to you. 

Eric