The Holy Spirit has come to lead us into a life of prayer. \u201cLikewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered\u201d (Romans 8:26, NKJV).<\/i><\/p>\n
Consider what Paul is saying about the Holy Spirit\u2019s role in our prayer life. We get so confused about prayer, making it seem so complicated. Go into any Christian bookstore, and you\u2019ll find countless books on the subject, replete with detailed formulas on how to pray. These theories end up raising even more questions. For example:<\/p>\n
\u00b7 When does prayer become intercession?<\/p>\n
\u00b7 Is intercession measured by fervency, loudness or the amount of time I spend on my knees?<\/p>\n
\u00b7 I am instructed to pray according to God\u2019s will, but how do I know his will?<\/p>\n
\u00b7 How do I go about praying? Do mental prayers count?<\/p>\n
\u00b7 What exactly do I pray for?<\/p>\n
Such confusion can be so overwhelming that it causes many to avoid praying.<\/p>\n
Never has there been a time when the prayers of God\u2019s people are needed more than now. We live in a world gone mad. As global events worsen, conspiring to rob people of peace, societies everywhere are looking for a source of comfort. They aren\u2019t finding it in psychotherapy, dead religion or worthy causes.<\/p>\n
The Bible has told us, \u201cThe world cannot receive [him], because it neither sees him nor knows him; but you know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you\u201d (see John 14:17).<\/p>\n
One of our greatest concerns should be that we maintain a prayer life. When we neglect prayer, we grieve the Spirit of God. Yes, it is possible for us to grieve the Holy Spirit. Paul writes as much when he says, \u201cAnd do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption\u201d (Ephesians 4:30).<\/i> Indeed, the Spirit shares God\u2019s grief over his people\u2019s unbelief and prayerlessness. There are many powerful ways the Holy Spirit plays a role in our prayers.<\/p>\n
\u00b7 The Holy Ghost manifests the presence of Christ in us.<\/p>\n
\u00b7 The Spirit seals God\u2019s promises in our hearts.<\/p>\n
\u00b7 The Comforter speaks hope to us.<\/p>\n
\u00b7 The Spirit releases his rivers of comfort, peace and rest in our souls.<\/p>\n