“Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.”
(Romans 8:26 ESV)
Tuesday morning I was praying for our Men of the Word Bible Study, and I was praying for very great things. In fact, I was in such a self-certainty that I was listing off all the things I want God to do with and in this fellowship. Notice these words, “things I want”. Eventually I was convicted by the Spirit, sudden Revelation came upon me: all that you have said is a pursuit of vanity. I am not making light, the Spirit will convict right where we need it. The larger point being that even in prayer I was losing sight of Who is and who is not in my relationship with God.
Immediately my approach and my demeanor changed and I began to seek His Glory in all of it. Please keep in mind that this did not so much lead to a change in request but a change in my attitude. Father, please guide myself and all others involved to the working out Your will in this, may we each be responsive.
It makes me curious of what prayer life looked like for the Apostle Paul or Thomas Aquinas, prayer was the most fundamental part of their day. Certainly they had to face strong conviction on a regular basis. I am going to project that they enjoyed it. If we are to be found wrong and be corrected, is it not best to be found wrong and be corrected by He who is Holy?
Yet this is the only true rest for our being. He is living and active in our lives. He will tear down barriers that block our relationship with Him. He will convict our hearts that closely held ideals and desires are vanity. We will be made to know that it is His transcendent Promise that carries us forward and nothing else. I have lost many misconceptions, so that I might gain confidence in the Living God.
Grace be with you,
Jason
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