The Upper Room Devotion for Monday, November 6, 2023, was written by Zithelo Sibanda of Northern Ireland of United Kingdom.
Scripture
26 Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words. 27 And God, who searches the heart, knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. 28 We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose. 29 For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn within a large family. 30 And those whom he predestined he also called; and those whom he called he also justified; and those whom he justified he also glorified.
Romans 8:26-30 NRSV
Author's Thoughts
My faith journey is not always smooth sailing. I often face challenges that cause me to lose my close connection with Christ, sometimes even to the point that praying becomes difficult. Loss, guilt, grief, stress, and unanswered prayers can derail my prayer life. An inconsistent prayer life weakens our relationship with Christ. In those moments, we may wonder: Where do I begin? How do I rekindle my relationship with Christ?
Often, we have so much to say, and yet it seems as though the right words are just not there! It can seem like we should wait to rebuild the connection at the right moment when we know the right words to say. But Romans 8 reminds us that the Spirit intercedes for us. The Lord knows our hearts, so we don't have to be discouraged by the obstacles we are currently experiencing. We don't need to wait for the perfect moment to reestablish our relationship with Christ. All we need to do is ask the Spirit of God to intercede for us, either through silent prayer, or when we cry out to the Lord.
Pastor Anthony's Thoughts
Friends,
Prayers do not need to be long, eloquent, nor rife with theological language. Prayers can be as simple as: Dear Lord, speak to my specific situation and offer me guidance. Prayer is our mechanism for talking with God, no matter how long it has been, God just wants to hear from you and talk with you. I invite you to take time to talk with God each day.
Author's Prayer
Dear Lord, you know our hearts. We have much to share, but words may fail us. We need your Spirit to intercede for us. Amen.
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