This passage encourages the Christian with a remarkable truth: in our weakness, when we do not know what to pray, the Spirit himself intercedes for us in and through our unspeakable groans. And when the Spirit intercedes, God always answers in the affirmative, since the Spirit always prays in accord with God’s will.
REFLECTION QUESTIONS
THINKING: QUESTIONS AIMED AT OUR MINDS TO HELP US UNDERSTAND GOD’S WORD.
How would you summarize Paul’s message in this passage in one brief sentence?
A key word here is “intercede.” What does this word mean? What does it mean that the Spirit intercedes for us?
FEELING: QUESTIONS AIMED AT OUR AFFECTIONS TO HELP US LOVE GOD
How does the intimate personal reality of the Spirit’s involvement change the way you think about prayer?
Why is it necessary for the Christian to acknowledge weakness?
DOING: QUESTIONS AIMED AT OUR HANDS TO HELP US LIVE FOR GOD (PERSONALLY, COMMUNALLY, AND MISSIONALLY)
What are the ways the Spirit stirs and prompts you toward God?
Have you ever been helplessly without words in prayer? What help can you expect from the Holy Spirit When you’re stuck?
