Jesus Only: Part OneSample

Week 2, Day 3 - Tuesday

God Gives Us Wisdom to Pray

As we can see from yesterday’s devotional, our Scripture passage this week consists of several lengthy sentences that can be difficult to divide neatly into sections. For the remainder of this week, we are going to take a section of the passage each day. For continuity of thought, you may wish to read the entire passage each day, so we have included it as the first Scripture reference each day, followed by the shorter daily section.

Prayers are so powerful! Many of us have testimonies of how God has changed our lives because someone prayed for us. I (Annette) cherish the special relationship I had with my grandparents growing up. They always prayed for me and were intentional about encouraging me with their prayers. They constantly reminded me of how they prayed for me to honor and please God in everything. Their prayers were reassuring and guided me towards love for Jesus. It was transformational, and I know I would not be the same without their prayers. It makes me think of the Scripture from the book of James, “The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.”

And yet, even knowing the effectiveness and power of prayer, we still often view it with drudgery. We find it difficult to make time for prayer or are challenged to stay focused when we do pray. We question if we’re using the right words or praying for the right things. And then there’s praying out loud – that can be awkward or even terrifying!  

What if we considered prayer as God’s initiative? After all, we love because He first loved us, so it follows that we pray because He prays for us. Scripture affirms that Jesus is continually praying for us. The Holy Spirit also prays for us.

"And in a similar way, the Holy Spirit takes hold of us in our human frailty to empower us in our weakness. For example, at times we don’t even know how to pray, or know the best things to ask for. But the Holy Spirit rises up within us to super-intercede on our behalf, pleading to God with emotional sighs too deep for words." (Romans 8:26 TPT)

God’s prayers are mightier than anyone else’s. So what if we take up God’s invitation to join Him in the prayers He is already praying? 

But what is God praying? What’s at the heart of God’s prayers for you and for our fellow believers? The Apostle Paul prays to the Colossians, that God would fill us “with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives...” (Col. 1:9). The Holy Spirit gives us knowledge of His will for ourselves and others, so that we can join God in His work and pray how God is praying.

Reflection Questions:

What is God’s heart for me?

Is there something God wants to show me about myself that will help me align my spirit with His?

Who is God inviting me to pray for and how can I join Him in His prayers?

Prayer: God, thank You for praying for me and inviting me to pray for Your will in my life and in the lives of others. Help me to be sensitive to Your Spirit, to see You at work, and to follow You. I am so grateful for Your guidance! In Jesus' name, Amen.