The Holy Spirit has come to lead us into a life of prayer. “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, NKJV).
Consider what Paul is saying about the Holy Spirit’s role in our prayer life. We get so confused about prayer, making it seem so complicated. Go into any Christian bookstore, and you’ll find countless books on the subject, replete with detailed formulas on how to pray. These theories end up raising even more questions. For example:
· When does prayer become intercession?
· Is intercession measured by fervency, loudness or the amount of time I spend on my knees?
· I am instructed to pray according to God’s will, but how do I know his will?
· How do I go about praying? Do mental prayers count?
· What exactly do I pray for?
Such confusion can be so overwhelming that it causes many to avoid praying.
Never has there been a time when the prayers of God’s people are needed more than now. We live in a world gone mad. As global events worsen, conspiring to rob people of peace, societies everywhere are looking for a source of comfort. They aren’t finding it in psychotherapy, dead religion or worthy causes.
The Bible has told us, “The world cannot receive [him], because it neither sees him nor knows him; but you know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you” (see John 14:17).
One of our greatest concerns should be that we maintain a prayer life. When we neglect prayer, we grieve the Spirit of God. Yes, it is possible for us to grieve the Holy Spirit. Paul writes as much when he says, “And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption” (Ephesians 4:30). Indeed, the Spirit shares God’s grief over his people’s unbelief and prayerlessness. There are many powerful ways the Holy Spirit plays a role in our prayers.
· The Holy Ghost manifests the presence of Christ in us.
· The Spirit seals God’s promises in our hearts.
· The Comforter speaks hope to us.
· The Spirit releases his rivers of comfort, peace and rest in our souls.