Day 16: The World's Greatest Prayer Meeting

Romans 8

What might make you uncomfortable:

Have you ever discovered that something incredible was going on right before your eyes, yet you were completely unaware? Although it's uncomfortable to think about the spiritual realm, it's also comforting to know God is working on our behalf.

Today's Devotional:

Perhaps you are reading this devotional in the morning.

You've woken up, grabbed some coffee or tea, and are now sitting in front of your computer or phone to begin a time of study and prayer.

I've got great news for you: you are not beginning a prayer time this morning. You are joining into a prayer meeting that is already in existence. All morning and all last night, prayer was happening on your behalf. God was working. Prayers were in the process of being answered.

Let me explain. Romans 8 introduces readers into life in and through the Holy Spirit. It teaches and demonstrates to us how we are to walk in accordance with God's Spirit, receive God's peace through the day, and bear fruit for God.

The primary way we connect with the Holy Spirit is through prayer and worship, our response to an acute awareness of His Presence. Romans 8 says that the mind set on the "flesh is death" but the mind set on the Spirit is "life and peace" (8:6). If we walk in the Spirit, in communion with God, we will have the peace we need.

The Good News that Romans 8 gives us today is that this life in the Spirit cannot be attained by works. We can't force our way into God's presence. Instead, God has been working on our behalf, preparing the spirit realm and setting up our lives for breakthrough and blessing.

Every morning when we rise, we are joining the greatest prayer meeting that ever existed. Who is praying? What is God doing? Romans 8 gives us some clues:

The Holy Spirit is Praying for Us

The Holy Spirit is already living in us and is... giving us physical life (8:11), helping control our actions (8:9), praying for us when we don't know what to pray (8:26-27).

the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will (Romans 8:27).

Creation is Groaning on our behalf

Paul writes, "The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed (8:19). In some supernatural way, God's creation is praying and waiting for the people of God to released into their fullness.

Just like Jesus said,

if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out! (Luke 19:40).

Jesus is praying for us

Hebrews says that Jesus lives in heaven to make intercession for us (Hebrews 7:25). Today, Jesus stands at the right hand of the Father, praying and crying out on our behalf - that we would spread the Good News and live the abundant life He died for.

Christ Jesus, who died–more than that, who was raised to life–is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us (8:34).

Jesus' prayers get answered! Have confidence today that Jesus is interceding for you!

Praying from Heaven to Earth

Whenever we rise to pray, we are entering into the greatest prayer meeting that ever existed. We can be confident that God is with us, for His word never returns void (Isaiah 55).

When we pray, rather than coming with our own agenda, it can be wise to listen to God and ask Him how He desires for us to pray. Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and all creation are already praying. If we want to live "on earth as it is in heaven" the first step may be to PRAY what is already being decreed in Heaven!

Be encouraged. Someone is always praying for you... and you always having something to pray!

Application

Pray that God's Kingdom would come from heaven to earth today.

Ask God what is on His heart today in regards to prayer. What are Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and all creation crying out for regarding your life, your family and your city?