” . . . the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express.” Romans 8:26
Those were the days — remember? Sitting there, teacher standing at the chalkboard with her back to the class and there’s something, something desperate that needed to be told to the girl three rows over and four desks back. She sat too far to whisper and the message was far too long and private to pass along. There was really only one way for it to get there.
So, I gathered my thoughts and wrote a note. Choosing my words carefully and getting straight to the point, I crafted my note while time stood still. Do . . . you . . . like . . . me? . . . (checkbox) YES or (checkbox) no. Check one and pass back. Confident, yet petrified, I folded the paper to nearly the size of a postage stamp and sent it out on it’s short journey. I handed it to my friend next to me and asked him to pass the note back to this girl. The only problem? Well . . . I forgot about the teacher! Big mistake! Just as the note left my hand she turned around to ask the class a question and bamm! Caught . . . red-handed!
There was nothing more humiliating in 5th grade than getting caught passing notes — horrible! Worse yet, if the teacher read them aloud. To my fortune she didn’t do that, but did collect it, read it to herself and asked me to stay after class. I never did find out if she liked me.
Ever feel like your prayers get intercepted and never reach heaven? Ever wonder if the “big man upstairs” actually hears your voice? Ever feel like the quiet, well-thought prayers that are neatly folded and sent never get received, but in desperation you frantically wad up the prayer and throw it in His direction with greater chance of it nailing Him in the head and getting His attention? I have often wondered these same things!
But here is what I’ve learned — and it’s because of who I am in Christ that I know this to be true! Our prayers in Jesus’ name look much like the bum on the park bench. I know, you’re thinking — maybe yours do, but I like to think a little better of my prayers. But hear this out. He is worn, appears meaningless, smells of age and weathered with time. Definitely not someone you want to hang out with — especially in close quarters. Then, this bum who in this case represents our prayers approaches the king’s castle. Our impression would be that this bum would not be allowed to enter the gates of the kingdom — after all, he’s dirty, smells and appears meaningless. But that’s not the case! Why is that? It’s because of who he is and to whom he belongs.
You see, this bum belongs to me — he’s my prayers — and I belong to the King! So instead of the bum being asked to leave, he is welcomed — but not just welcomed, celebrated and adorned. He is greeted with excitement every day he visits and never does the king grow tired or stale with his presence. Every day to see him is like the first day he ever visited.
My prayers are signed by the King Eternal! My prayers are then sealed with His blood! My prayers are then delivered — with an absolute guarantee! How mighty awesome is that?!!!
May I always remember the truth about my words to my Father. That I am heard, adorned and celebrated with every breath, with every word . . . that he longs to hear my voice about my life, my concerns, my hopes, my dreams.
“The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs — heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.” Romans 8:16-17
by: Mark Cruver