In the same way the Spirit also helps us in our weakness,

because we do not know what to pray for as we should, but the

Spirit himself intercedes for us with unspoken groanings. And

he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit,

because he intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.

Romans 8:26-27

Isn’t it amazing that we have an advocate who prays for us even when we don’t know how to pray? These verses above are such a powerful truth we must cling to!

Have you had that deep night of the soul experience when no words would come as you tried to present Jesus your need? I have. Those are times I’ve experienced that peace that makes no sense (Philippians 4:6-7). I can’t explain it, only experience the truth.

In memorizing Romans 8, I had time to meditate on something that tends to be a dilemma for me. We pray, but our advocate takes our request and shapes it according to God’s will. So, does that mean what the Holy Spirit presents to the Lord may be different from what we ask?

Isn’t that what we pray when we recite the Lord’s prayer? Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven (Matthew 6:10)? Do we mean it? I believe God always does what honors His name and is best for us, even when it doesn’t make any sense or seems to take forever to reach a resolution.

Sometimes, His answer is no to what we ask. Trusting Him to be the good God He is, we can rest in peace with His delays and perfect responses.

I love Priscilla Shirer’s words regarding this, Lord, give me what I ask, or something so much better.

God, sometimes I hurt so much I can’t even voice my need. Other times I voice my prayer the way I want you to answer. But you always do what is best, that I can trust!

Chris Adams