Romans 8:26-27

Ladies, are you ready to be encouraged and challenged by God’s Word? Beginning September 17, we’ll study the book of James together in the 8-week Joy of Living series. Each week, women will meet in small groups to share insights from Scripture and then hear practical and faith-building teaching from Debbie Taylor Williams. Childcare is available Wednesday mornings (by reservation) and Thursday evenings (by voucher). Learn more and register today by clicking HERE.

“I’m so busy.” “There never seem to be enough hours in the day.” 

Can you relate? Do you know who else can? Jesus. During His earthly ministry, Jesus traveled to different regions sharing the good news, ministering to crowds, shepherding His disciples, and healing the sick. However, regardless of how full His day, He was intentional about His prayer time with God. “In the early morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house, and went away to a secluded place, and was praying there” (Mark 1:35). 

Not only did Jesus spend time with God in prayer, but did you notice it said He went to a secluded place? In other words, in addition to praying with people, Jesus also prioritized time alone with God. Jesus teaches His followers to spend time alone in prayer. “…when you pray, go into your inner room, close your door and pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you” (Matthew 6:6a). 

Prioritizing prayer like Jesus did—in the early morning, alone with God, to tell Him your needs and to listen to Him are important.

Jesus knew that prayer was necessary. It is the way we stay connected to our Heavenly Father, abide in Him, and do His will. It is the key to bearing His fruit through our lives (John 15:1-8). 

How faithfully do you prioritize praying first thing in the morning? How faithfully do you meet alone with your Heavenly Father?

Jesus, thank you for showing me what it means to be PRAYERFUL. Help me prioritize spending time alone with You and the Father in prayer. 

Learn to seek God in prayer through Debbie’s book, Pray With Purpose, Live With Passion. Purchase your copy HERE.

²⁶ Now in the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know what to pray for as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with ^[a]groanings too deep for words;

²⁷ and He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the ^[b]saints according to the will of God.

Holy One, what a joy and peace there is in knowing that You search our hearts and INTERCEDE for us. Amazing! Thank You!

God is ALL KNOWING as Psalm 139:4 explains. “Even before there is a word on my tongue, behold, O LORD, you KNOW it all.”  He knows our thoughts, weaknesses, and heart better than we do. Romans 8:26,27. He knows our future. Acts 11:27,28. He knows what others are thinking, doing, and planning. He knows Satan’s schemes. There is no one to whom we can go who is more knowledgeable, loving, caring, wise, and invested in what is best for us. When we begin our day bowed before Him, confessing our love, proclaiming His majesty, and thanking Him for His grace, His ears are tuned to the confessions of our struggles and needs and those for whom we pray. Our confidence to enter into our day, our inner peace and joy rest not in circumstances beyond our control, but in our loving Father in whom we have placed our trust. Whatever lies before us, we know our Father loves us, will be there for us, and walk with us, guiding us along the right path. The wise believer acknowledges God not only in perfunctory blessings before meals but in intimate union, studying God’s ways, joined at the spiritual “hip,” His Spirit,” from the time their eyes open in the morning till their eyes close at night. Are we wise?

Heavenly Father, You are the ALL KNOWING, OMNISCIENT Lord, who loves us so much. Awaken us to the gift of Your presence to guide us through each moment of the day. May we live joyfully because You are guiding us through our day.