Help From the Holy Spirit
The Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. . . . He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God (Romans 8:26, 27).
How does the Holy Spirit help us in our weakness? I didn't know, but one
evening while preparing a message on the topic of praying in the spirit I tried
something. I said, "Okay, Lord, I'm setting aside my list, and I'm going to
assume that whatever comes to my mind during this time of prayer is from You or
allowed by You. I'm going to let You set the agenda." Whatever came to my mind
that evening was what I prayed about. If it was a tempting thought, I talked to
God about that area of weakness. If the busyness of the day clamored for
attention, I discussed my plans with God. I dealt with whatever came to my mind.
I wasn't passively letting thoughts control me though. I was actively taking
every thought captive to the obedience of Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5). Let me
warn you that if you passively listen to your thoughts, you may end up paying
attention to a deceiving spirit (1 Timothy 4:1).
If you try this kind of praying, you will find out how personal God really is.
If God determined and prioritized our prayer list, He would begin with personal
issues that affect our relationship with Him. "Come on," God says. "You keep
telling others you have a personal relationship with Me. Let's get personal!"
Dr. Anderson, Freedom in Christ and Harvest House Publishers www.ficm.org