Praying what we ought

“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)

There is a presupposition to this prayer that I had never before realized. It is important to know what to actually pray for. Moreover, it is our weakness that keeps us from praying for the right things.

Instead, I used to view a better prayer as one that is more eloquent, more earnest, more sincere.  Maybe content is more important than form.  Maybe I need to be giving more thought about praying for the right things.  Maybe I need to be praying more about praying for the right things.

So then, Father, may I know what to pray for. Teach me. And so I see, praying becomes less and less about me. Your good will be done. Amen.

Praying for Paths

“Lord, show me the path!” I cried. My mind rocketships in too many directions at once. Daydreaming is what I do best. But accomplishing is the challenge. More specifically, deciding what to accomplish is the real challenge for me.

“Please Lord, show me the path!”

“All the paths of the Lord are steadfast love and faithfulness” –Psalm 25:10

Be at peace, oh my soul.  Work out of love, faithfully, and the path will be surely the Lord’s.