What a Help He Is

One time when Jesus was being entertained in the Bethany home, Martha came to Him and asked Him to tell her sister Mary to help her (Luke 10:40). The word "help" that she used in her request is a very interesting word that means to come to the help of one, to lend a hand, to take an interest in.

Paul used the same word in speaking of the Holy Spirit's help when we pray: "In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us" (Romans 8:26).

The Spirit helps us pray, and what a help He is! We often do not know how or what to pray, but God has promised us that the Holy Spirit who knows the mind of God will inspire our prayers.

Often He provides a scripture that is exactly what we know He wants us to pray. Best of all His Spirit prays through us so that it is really the Spirit carrying God's own requests back to Him. God cannot turn away from such prayers.

Thank You, Holy Spirit, for taking hold of the burden with us and helping us pray.

"Lord, teach us to pray" (Luke 11:1).

"But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit" (Jude 20).