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November 8, 2012

Speechless

Recently, I have been bent toward a speechlessness before God, and I don't mean that in an in awe or reverent sort of way. In fact, it has been a frustrating silence on my end. I know the importance and power of prayer, yet it has been a struggle to articulate any. I know they exist somewhere inside me, I feel them bottle up, but they have been a fight to release. However, in this mess of myself, I know God is trying to tell me something. The role of the Holy Spirit, specifically as presented in Romans 8:26, has been brought to my attention multiple times over the past month or so through sermons, the bible study I attend, and my own readings.
Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.
This is not to be used as a cop-out from prayer. I know it is God's will for me to do my part and "pray without ceasing" (1 Thessalonians 5:17), but I can at least take comfort in knowing the Spirit is able to make sense of the tension and groanings within myself. Keith and Kristyn Getty released a new album this year, and it's so good I could probably write a post about every track. One in particular really resonated with me, though. The first time I heard "Holy Spirit (with Gabriel's Oboe)" I was thankful.  The lyrics expressed all I couldn't but have been wanting to, which to me, is proof of the Spirit's intercession in my life. It's a beautiful prayer that, through gifted musicians, He has given me for the times I can't find the words.



Holy Spirit, living Breath of God,
Breathe new life into my willing soul.
Bring the presence of the risen Lord
To renew my heart and make me whole.
Cause Your Word to come alive in me;
Give me faith for what I cannot see;
Give me passion for Your purity.
Holy Spirit, breathe new life in me.
Holy Spirit, come abide within;
May Your joy be seen in all I do—
Love enough to cover ev'ry sin
In each thought and deed and attitude,
Kindness to the greatest and the least,
Gentleness that sows the path of peace.
Turn my striving into works of grace.
Breath of God, show Christ in all I do.
Holy Spirit, from creation's birth,
Giving life to all that God has made,
Show your power once again on earth;
Cause Your church to hunger for Your ways.
Let the fragrance of our prayers arise.
Lead us on the road of sacrifice
That in unity the face of Christ
Will be clear for all the world to see.