Unrealized Logic of Prayer

“Unrealized Logic of Prayer”

Romans 8:26-28

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 intercessions  for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. (vs.26)

Last in this Series on Prayer—Oswald Chambers, “If You will Ask”

            Unrealized logic of prayer, just what does this mean? We do not fully understand what prayer is but we try to define is at the interchanging action of the Divine Spirit and the human spirit. But there is a point in time when we might be / are unsure what praying is and how to do it effectively.

            The disciples were good people and well versed and taught to pray in Jewish tradition, yet when they came in contact with Jesus, instead of realizing they could pray well, they came to the conclusion that they did not know how to pray at all and as Jesus to instruct them in the initial stages of prayer.

            We too become conscious of our words, body positions and even preparation for prayer and we will often be afraid of praying out loud. But why? Because we hinder our life of devotion when we lose our independence to pray with confidence. We rely on the Holy Spirit for prayer is. And in these verses from Romans, Paul uncovers the truth of what we need to remember. The whole source of our strength is receiving, recognizing and relying on the Holy Spirit.

            We often will say “I don’t know what I should say”. Yet if we pray in Jesus’ name we come into the presence of God because Jesus made this closer relationship with God possible. This is also true of praying in the Spirit. If the Spirit of God is in us, we are able to approach God in a way that draws us closer to Him than first thought. This is because we have made a connection with God and it is now growing in truth and knowledge in us- through the Spirit and in Jesus.

            What is your connection with the Holy Spirit and prayer? Do you make it easy for the Spirit to work out God’s will in you or are you putting the Spirit aside by empty requests?  Do we bring ourselves into obedience of Christ when we ask in His name for what really is in our hearts? Or do we know? If you ask, do you wait for an answer?

            Remembering that your intercessions can never be mine and vice versa, and that the Holy Spirit makes intercession for both of us,  do we worry about the words we say needlessly? Let us reflect on the depth, height and solemnity of our calling to be God’s children and pray as we ought—to God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit; in the name of Jesus Christ,  as the Spirit intercedes and through God’s grace. Praying is working together for the good of all so let us do so and ask in faith.

PRAYER:

Gracious God we praise you that we may ask and you will answer our prayers. We thank you that we are yours through faith in Jesus Christ who lived a life of prayer, who taught his disciples to pray and through whom we pray to you. You call us to pray to you so that we may be shown how to live following your example, and how you enable us to be and become your faithful people. We thank you for these words of wisdom written by Oswald Chambers many years ago, but still so relevant to us and our faith development. Bless us O God as we continue to grow in faith and in love. We ask in Jesus name, knowing that the Spirit intercedes for us. Amen.

Quotes from  Oswald Chambers “If You Will Ask: ch 12 The Unrealized Logic of Prayer.” Please note that this book was first published under the title, “If Ye Shall ask” in 1937.

BLOG QUESTION:

Oswald Chambers first wrote these thoughts in the early 1930’s and his thoughts were published in 1937. How relevant are his thoughts today for you and for Christians as we seek new opportunities to grow in faith through prayer?