Prayer Aid Series

Prayer Aid

Griffith Baptist Church – 7/27/08

A.M. Service

Text: Romans 8:26-27

Key verse: Romans 8:26 - Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.

The Introduction

Little Johnny had been misbehaving and was sent to his room. He emerged a couple minutes later and informed his mother that he had thought things over and had even said a little prayer. The mother was very happy and said, “If you asked God to help you not misbehave, He will help you.” To which Johnny replied, “Oh, I didn’t ask Him for help with that, I asked Him to help you put up with me.”

When we pray, we ask God for some pretty amazing things. We expect one answer and He gives another and we are uneasy with His answer

What we often forget is what is going on behind the scenes and the Holy Spirit is involved

It is called, intercession.

Incidentally, please, do not get confused with the intercession of Christ and the intercession of the Spirit:

o The intercession of Christ is in relations to sin in our life - 1 John 2:1 - And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: (see also Rom. 8:34; Heb. 7:25)

o The intercession of the Spirit is in relation to our prayer life (the text

We need to look at the Holy Spirit in this passage as somewhat of a rescue worker, He gives aid

We all need aid:

o When we have to go to court for something major, we need the aid of a lawyer

o When we are sick, we need the aid of a doctor

o When we don’t hear well, we need a hearing aid

o When we cut ourselves, we need a band-aid

Aid is a good thing. It is something or someone we can rely on when we cannot help ourselves

In this passage, we are told our prayer life sometimes needs help.

This is great, it is God in action on our behalf

Please don’t take offense, but sometimes we need to have our prayers idiot-proofed

Transition Statement: First, why do we need help in our prayer life?

Body

1. Why Do We Need Help?

A. Our Weaknesses

i. All weakness is not created the same. At a nursing home in Florida, a resident group was discussing ailments: "My arms are so weak I can hardly lift this cup of coffee," said one. "Yes, I know, my cataracts are so bad I can’t even see my coffee," replied another. "I can’t turn my head because of the arthritis in my neck," said a third, at which several others nodded weakly. "My blood pressure pills make me very dizzy," another went on. "I guess that’s the price we pay for getting old," winced an old man. There was general agreement and a short moment of silence ensued. "Well, it’s not that bad," said one woman cheerfully. "Thankfully we can all still drive!"

ii. infirmities - of the soul – lack of strength and capacity that is required

a. to understand

b. to do great things for God

c. to restrain corrupt desires

d. to bear trials and troubles

iii. We should learn that our weaknesses are a gateway to God’s strength - 2 Corinthians 12:5-10 - 5Of such an one will I glory: yet of myself I will not glory, but in mine infirmities. 6For though I would desire to glory, I shall not be a fool; for I will say the truth: but now I forbear, lest any man should think of me above that which he seeth me to be, or that he heareth of me. 7And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. 8For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. 9And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

B. We don’t always know the exact, perfect will of God

i. We are limited in our understanding of everything pertaining to our life

ii. “what ye should pray for as we ought” (26) with “according to the will of God” (27)

iii. We don’t know how to pray sometimes