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NIV is used unless otherwise noted.



Tweaked Prayer

In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.
Romans 8:26


Lord, please don’t let it rain while we are at the pool, I earnestly prayed.

A friend and I had planned to take a group of girls in foster care swimming for a couple of hours. Rain was predicted but I was hopeful for a window of sunshine with no rain.

When we all met at the park, the sky was blue and the sun was beaming. Unfortunately, the girls were unable to swim because no lifeguard was manning the pool area. Since they couldn’t swim, we tried to make the best of it. We played games with the girls, walked around the park, sunned for a bit and munched on the snacks we had brought.

As the wind died down and the temperature grew hotter, and the girls became restless.

We noticed clouds coming across the lake toward us and possibly rain as well. In a few minutes refreshing raindrops fell upon us as the girls twirled and laughed. An outside vinyl dance floor was soon transformed into a slip-n-slide.

God saved the party by giving us what we needed rather than what I had prayed for. I had prayed according to my limited knowledge, but God saw the bigger picture. He knew we would need the welcome respite from the intense heat.

I may think I know the best way my prayers should be answered but according to Romans 8:26, I really don’t. I only have a sliver of information needed to make that judgment call.

God in His amazing foresight has provided help for our insufficiency. He generously gave us the Holy Spirit to assist us in prayer. Even when we pray our rudimentary, uninformed prayers, the Holy Spirit transforms them into perfectly worded, precisely focused prayers in line with the Father’s will.

Father, thank you for sharing the Holy Spirit to help us pray according to your will.

Terri

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