Power Point - February 18, 2005

February 18, 2005

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 with groanings which cannot be uttered.

-Romans 8:26

A pitch-black night, howling wind, horizontal rain, strange neighborhood, unfamiliar city—and you’re lost. You’re so lost you wouldn’t know how to ask for directions if there were anyone to ask—which there isn’t. So you do what lots of people do—you pull over and park. You just don’t know what else to do. Going forward is the same as going backward—father into the unknown.

When you’re going through difficult times in your life, that’s how it can feel. You know you’re lost in a strange place, and the wind and rain of trouble are trying their best to beat you into submission. They want you just to pull over to the side of the spiritual road and park. You know that’s not right (you’re not going to move forward by sitting still), but you’re so lost you don’t even know how to pray (much less feel like it) to ask God for directions. The words, “Lord, help” are in your mind, but you do not hear them leaving your lips.

Fortunately, God has given us a Guide, someone who will help us ask for the directions we need. He knows the neighborhood, He knows how we feel, and He speaks the language we don’t. If you will depend on Him, the Spirit of God will be a prayer partner to overcome four prayer problems when you are too confused to pray. He overcomes the problem of prayerlessness, pain, perspective, and powerlessness.

If you are in a dark and stormy place…it if has been some time since you’ve prayed…if you’ve lost your way and will…you have a prayer partner in the Holy Spirit. But a partnership takes two. He is there, waiting on you.

WHEN ALL HOPE IS GONE, A SIMPLE CONFESSION WILL ENGAGE THE ARMIES OF HEAVEN AND THE HOLY SPIRIT WILL EMPOWER YOU TO PRAY EFFECTIVELY.