Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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Come Holy Spirit Set us Free
      Romans 8:26-30

Reni Rose Oommen
Epiphany MTC, New York

26 Likewise 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.
The Apostle Paul wrote the book of Romans and he wrote it to fellow Christians residing in the city of Rome. This letter was written to give believers a firm spiritual foundation on which they could strengthen their faith and more effectively serve God. Even though in Romans, Paul primarily focuses on the righteousness of God, themes such as salvation, the sovereignty of God, judgment, and spiritual growth are clearly illustrated throughout the book as well. Romans chapter 8 is where the Holy Spirit is fully revealed. The Holy Spirit was provided to us after the accession of Christ, to help counsel Christians in their walk with the Lord. Paul tells us that the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness and there are lots of areas where we are weak – physical, emotional, psychological. But here Paul is specifying our spiritual/intellectual weakness. Sometimes, we have an inability to know what to ask God for in prayer. And we don’t know what to pray because we don’t know what the future holds. We also don’t know what to pray because at any given time we don’t know what is best for us. We know what we prefer but we don’t know what is best for our ultimate good. Paul tells us that the Holy Spirit intercedes for us. When one person intercedes for another they go to another on their behalf in order to reconcile the two parties. In the same way the Holy Spirit goes to the Father on our behalf to interpret and give voice to the prayers of our heart. Paul also tells us that Holy Spirit prays effectively on our behalf because the Spirit prays in accordance with God’s will. The Holy Spirit knows what is best for our life. He knows God’s plan for us. He knows the purpose of every event and situation in our life. The Holy Spirit prays for God to accomplish His work in us.

PRAYER

Dear Lord Jesus Christ, fill us with Your Holy Spirit so that we may be set free from the tribulations of this world and help us to study Your word to live a life that will follow Your will and bring glory to Your name. Amen.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
“Hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us”. Romans 5:5

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