Hello Everyone,

“the Spirit helps us in our weakness”

Not from a weakness that we would need to recover from. This word literally means “without strength”. Exhausted or incapacitated.

I’m really glad to know this.

Some of us think that we have to be strong in order for God to use us. Actually, God goes to work when we’re weak.

2 Corinthians 12:10 says: “For when I am weak, then I am strong.”

Hebrews 4:15 tells us that the Son sympathizes with us when we feel feeble: “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses…”

• Life demands more than we can give. Ministry demands more than we can give. (26)
• Prayer can be difficult. (26)
• God’s will can be difficult to find. (27)

When we pray in the natural there is.

God’s will ^/ Mind of the Spirit^/ Our hearts >.

When we pray in the Spirit there is.

God’s will^/ Mind of the Spirit^/Our hearts^.

Prayer in the Spirit requires spiritual brokenness. (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 with groans that words cannot express.

Prayer in the Spirit requires our active participation. (26)

“…with groans that words cannot express”.

It’s so intense that words are inadequate to express it.

In Paul’s time silent prayer was not a part of the culture.

Prayer in the Spirit requires a life of obedience. (27)

“And he who searches our hearts…”

The word for “search” means to make a thorough investigation.

This is God’s continual activity. He never stops or takes a break.

1 Chronicles 28:9: “…For the LORD searches every heart and understands every motive behind the thoughts.”

Psalm 44:21: “…He knows the secrets of the heart.”

I don’t know what God’s will is. But the Spirit does.

Oh How HE Loves Us!

Pastor Phil