Romans 8:26-27 -- 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 with groans that words cannot express. And he who
searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will.
As I read and re-read this passage, the word "faith" jumps out at me.
Faith that our Heavenly Father listens to us.
Faith that He knows what we need long before we do.
Faith that it is what we need, not necessarily what we want, that comes to us in answer to our prayers.
Faith that not only does Jesus Christ intercede for us, but the Holy Spirit as well.
Faith that as I pull the very essence of our Heavenly Father into my heart, I pull the Spirit of the Living God in as
well.
Faith that as a believer, I can fashion my life after the greatest role model of all time, that being Jesus Christ.
Faith that even when I do not live my life as well as I should, there is every promise that I will have all the help
I need to be more Christ-like.
Faith, even, that there most certainly is a God who loves me and accepts me when I am fully loaded with doubts and fears
and insecurities.
With Jesus Christ AND the Holy Spirit interceding for me, I am free to enjoy my life as a fully loaded Christian. Faith.
It's what matters most.
I CAN TALK TO GOD:
Oh Lord, my God --
For all the times when I think I know what's best for myself, help me grow a deeper faith.
For all the times when I fear that I am alone in my anguish, help me remember that you promise to walk through this
valley of anguish and uncertainty with me.
For all the times when I slip back into doubts that you even listen, help me remember your great promise of love
and caring. Help me remember that you listen to Jesus Christ and your Holy Spirit when they intercede for me -- when they
stand before you in my place and bring my prayers and intercessions to you for me.
For all the times when I want to hang onto my petty gripes and grumbles, help me let go of them all.
For all the times when I am just so downright human, help me grow in faith -- help me feel the pinch of reality when
anxieties set off a warning that I'm on the wrong path. Head me back in your direction.
For all the times when I come up short -- and that would be time and time again -- talk to me in my quiet moments.
Those are the times when I most need to feel your presence embracing me, calming me, loving me.
I thank you for that. For giving me the gift of faith in you.
Amen.
Mark 1:35 -- And in the morning, a great while before day, he rose and went out to a lonely place, and there
he prayed.
Did you ever wake up "a great while before day?" What did you do -- watch a movie to pass the time 'til dawn; turn on
an early morning version talk show?
Did you ever think that the quiet hush of pre-dawn would be a great time to talk with God about everything that's going
on in your life?
I seldom wake up "a great while before day" but every once in a while the unconsciousness of deep sleep ends abruptly
with a waking thought that God and I need to have a long overdue conversation.
It surprises me that a lot of people are not regular pray-ers; that they don't have those regular conversations
with the one who watches every single move they make.
Pray silently.
Pray in soft whispers.
Pray thoughtfully.
Pray pleadingsly.
Pray often. But pray!
No matter what your needs are, pray for them.
God promises to hear our prayers. All the time. Every time.
No busy signal with God. He wants to hear from you. And me. Have you ever wondered what he must think about as he watches
us sleep? When the dark of night falls gently around us? When our head rests on pillows?
I pray that God will bless you in the much needed refreshment of your rest.
