Mon., 8/19/19 Devotion (Rom. 8:26)

Today's encouragement comes from Romans 8:26, where we read these words:

"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."

Sometimes it is hard to know just *how* to pray, or for *what* to pray. This is a "weakness," but it is not a debilitating one. The reason: the Holy Spirit Himself "makes intercession" for us. When we have a hard time knowing how to pray, let us try to discern what the main and pressing *concerns* are, that are on our hearts.

We may then try (our best) to bring those burdens to the Lord, and to ask for strength and wisdom. In all cases, it is better to *try* to pray, than to leave off praying altogether (because it is often so difficult). God is pleased with our faith-driven efforts, even though they are sometimes paltry. Thankfully, the Holy Spirit more than sufficiently "fills in the gaps."

[Puritan quote of the day: "God has two arms whereby He draws us unto Himself—the arm of His love, and the arm of His anger and justice.” —William Bridge, in, "A Lifting Up for the Downcast"]