Thoughts for the Day

The Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words. And God, who searches the heart, knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.

We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.

(Church in Wales Lectionary, New Revised Standard Version)

Thoughts

The cry which had started as a murmur was increasing in volume. The noise filled the house and could no doubt be heard next door. It woke even those in a deep in sleep. The baby needed attention!

Most parents can interpret the cry of their offspring immediately. They know if their precious child is hungry, or needs changing, or is in pain, or even because they are bored. They can even tell their child's cry from that of any other child, which is just as well since the baby has no other way of telling their parents what is wrong, all it can do is cry.

St Paul in his letter to the Romans written probably from Ephesus in 57 CE, speaks of the role of the Holy Spirit in helping us to pray. For we are like babies, we are unable to speak - that is we are unable to find the right words to pray as we ought. However, like a good parent the Spirit understands our confusion and speaks for us. He supports our inarticulate words, He teaches us what to pray for, He comfort us when we are fearful, and He encourages our feeble efforts at prayer.

Spirit of God,
teach us what to pray for,
to ask not just for ourselves,
but to listen to Your prompting,
and to pray for others.
May we learn to be concerned
with those things that concern You,
and learn from our own mistakes.
Amen.