The Prayers of the Holy Spirit
Likewise 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.
- Romans 8:26
Have you ever been deeply concerned about something or someone, but you didn't know what to pray? "What can I say," you wonder. "I don't know how to articulate this."
But did you know that sometimes some of the best prayers are the shortest and the simplest?
We might think, God
likes flowery, long prayers. In fact, the longer they are, the more impressed God will be. I don't think so.
Jesus spoke of the Pharisees who loved to pray long prayers. He said, " 'They think that they will be heard for their many words. Therefore do not be like them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him' " (Matthew 6:7-8).
Sometimes, we will come to God and say, "Lord, I want to pray for this situation. Um, well, um...." We want to pray, but we don't know how to articulate it. It may be nothing more than a grunt or a groan.
But God understands that prayer. Whether you have a beautiful prayer to pray or whether you don't know what to say, present it to God, and the Holy Spirit will help you.
According to Romans 8:26, "The Spirit also helps in our weaknesses." The Holy Spirit helps us to pray.
Remember all that God has done for you and all that He is doing for you. He saved you. His Holy Spirit indwells you. He assures you. He teaches you. And He helps you to pray.
So let's yield to Him. Let's open up our hearts to the work that He wants to do in our lives.
[ Pastor Greg Laurie ]
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Blessing Your Enemies
Invoke blessings upon and pray for the happiness of those who curse you, implore God's blessing (favor) upon those who abuse you [who revile, reproach, disparage, and highhandedly misuse you]. To the one who strikes you on the jaw or cheek, offer the other jaw or cheek also; and from him who takes away your outer garment, do not withhold your undergarment as well.
- Luke 6:28-29
Jesus was quite clear about what we are to do to those who hurt us: "But I tell you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." (Mstthew 5:44) "Invoke blessings upon and pray for the happiness of those who curse you." (Luke 6:28)
As I began to minister to people, I noticed that quite often they would express a genuine desire to forgive their enemies but would admit that they were unable to do so. I went to God in prayer seeking answers for them, and He gave me this message: "My people want to forgive, but they are not obeying the Scriptures concerning forgiveness." The Lord led me to several passages about praying for and blessing our enemies. Many people claim to forgive their enemies, but do not or will not pray for those who have hurt them.
Ask God to show mercy, not judgment, to your abusers. Remember, if you sow mercy, you will reap mercy (See Galatians 6:7). Praying for those who have wronged us can also bring them to a place of repentance and a true realization of the harm they are causing others. Without such prayer, they may remain in deception. Blessing and not cursing your enemies is a very important part of the process of forgiveness. If you are willing to bless and pray for your enemies, you will activate Romans 12:21: "Do not let yourself be overcome by evil, but overcome (master) evil with good."
[ Joyce Meyer Ministries ]
Living Breakthrough Minded
Today's Verse:
"For You, O Lord, are my Lamp; the Lord lightens my darkness"
(II Samuel 22:29, AMP).
Today's Word:
I've learned when things are difficult and don't look like they are going our way, that's when it's the easiest to lose our joy, vision, and enthusiasm; to believe that things will never get any better. But during those challenging seasons in life, we have to learn to do just the opposite. Right in the midst of the adversity, that's the time-more than ever-to expect a flood of His favor; a flood of healing, a flood of vindication, a flood of protection. Our attitude should be, "It may be dark, but I know the God of the breakthrough is about to turn things around!" "My child may be off course, but I know the God of the breakthrough is about to bring him back." "Business may be slow, but I'm expecting the God of the breakthrough to release a flood of His favor, a flood of new clients, a flood of new sales, a flood of promotion."
Remember, you are in prime position to see the light come bursting in. You're in prime position for God to give you something to talk about. Keep living breakthrough-minded because He has victory in store for you today!
Prayer for Today:
Heavenly Father, thank You for the victory that You have in store for me. I put my trust in You and choose to live breakthrough-minded. Help me to guard my words and guard my heart so I can stay positioned for everything You have in store for me. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
[ Joel Osteen Ministries ]
